Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products

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In Collaboration with Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (AJUMS)

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Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products (JJNPP) is a peer-reviewed journal that serves as a multidisciplinary forum in all areas of pharmacy (pharmaceutics, industrial pharmacy, pharmacognosy, pharmacology, ethnopharmacology, toxicology, medicinal chemistry, clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical biotechnology, and other related subjects) related to natural products. The prime aim is to publish research articles with sufficient importance. In addition to research articles, papers presenting hypotheses and commentaries addressing current issues of immediate interest to other investigators are invited. Original articles and mini-reviews related to pharmaceutical sciences will be considered.

Peer Review Policy:

1) Double-Blind Peer Review System

2) Open Peer Review (since Aug 2019), Show List of All Published Reviewers' Comments

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Therapeutic Effect of Synbiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium infantis, and Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)) on Acute Non-bloody Diarrheal Episodes in Hospitalized Children Aged Between 6 - 24 Months: Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
(Brieflands, 2024-05-31) Mehran Hakimzadeh; Azadeh Arefian; Mitra Ahmadi; Hazhir Javaherizadeh
Background: Regarding the appropriate effect of probiotics in treating acute diarrhea and the high prevalence of non-bacterial acute diarrhea among children in the population. Objectives: The present study evaluates the effect of synbiotic drops in children with acute diarrhea, including the number of hospitalization days, daily excreted diarrhea volume, duration of diarrhea, and reduction in the number of excretions between the case and control groups. Methods: This was a prospective double-blinded and randomized-controlled clinical trial on children aged 6 - 24 months with non-bloody acute diarrhea were included. The reason for hospitalization was diarrhea. In the case group, the patients consume PediLact (Zisttakhmir, Tehran, Iran) drop (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri, and bifidobacterium infantis) 109 CFU and fructooligosaccharides. PediLact drop was used with milk or lukewarm food for five days along with other routine hospital cares. The number of hospitalization days, the daily excreted diarrhea, diarrhea duration, and decreasing numbers of excretion in patients were compared. Results: In the current study, 114 children were included. The duration of hospitalization was 3.87 ± 0.9 days in the synbiotic group and 4.26 ± 0.12 days in the placebo group (P-value = 0.001). The time between the onset of diarrhea and recovery was significantly higher in the placebo group than in the synbiotic group (P = 0.032). The number of evacuations was 1.89 ± 0.13 in the synbiotic group and 2.52 ± 0.18 in the placebo group (P = 0.014).
Phytochemical and Antimalarial Effects of Ecballium elaterium (L.) Rich. Growing in Iran
(Brieflands, 2021-05-31) Parina Asgharian; Zahra Ghalbi; Yaser Sarvari; Abbas Delazar; Sedigheh Bamdad; Solmaz Asnaashari
Background: Malaria is a well-recognized parasitic disease and a serious public health problem worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the antimalarial properties of extracts with different polarities from the various parts of Ecballium elaterium (L.) Rich. (or wild cucumber) as a perennial herbaceous plant growing in Gilan and Azerbaijan provinces of Iran. Methods: The air-dried and powdered fruits, seeds, and roots of E. elaterium were extracted using three solvents with different polarities, n-Hexane (n-Hex), dichloromethane (DCM), and methanol (MeOH). The MeOH extract of roots was subjected to fractionalizing by a C18 Sep-Pak cartridge. All extracts and fractions with different polarities were assessed for their antimalarial activity using the cell-free beta-hematin formation test, and the structural groups of the fractions were identified by Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC). Results: According to our results, the MeOH extracts of the plant’s roots presented considerable antimalarial effects with an IC50 value of 0.124 ± 0.0002 mg/mL. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of root MeOH extract by solid phase extraction (SPE) afforded six fractions. The 20% fraction showed the most potent antimalarial effect with an IC50 value of 0.167 ± 0.002 mg/mL. Moreover, the three fractions of 80%, 60%, and 100% methanol/water demonstrated considerable antimalarial activities. Phytochemical analysis of potent fractions of E. elaterium suggested the presence of flavonoids in 20% and 60% fractions and flavonoids and triterpenoids in 80% and 100% fractions. Conclusions: According to our primary phytochemical investigation on the six SPE fractions, it is recommended to purify the active constituents of the most effective fractions and investigate their biological effects in animal models.
Preventive Effects of Pomegranate Seed Extract on Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rat
(Brieflands, 2013-06-10) Ali Asghar Hemmati; Annahita Rezaie; Pegah Darabpour
Background: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and many antioxidant agents have been used for the treatment of this disease in animals. Objectives: To evaluate the antioxidant effects of pomegranate seed extract (PSE) on bleomycin treated rats. Materials and Methods: Male Spraque – Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups: rats in groups I (bleomycin) and II (control) were given a single dose of bleomycin (7.5 IU/kg, intratracheally) in the bleomycin group and same amount of saline in the control, respectively. Treatment groups (III-V) were given PSE (100,200,400 mg/kg) orally a week before the bleomycin injection and this was continued for 3 weeks. At day 28, animals were sacrificed and lungs were removed for histological investigation. Results: Histological analysis showed that PSE could prevent pathological changes that were seen in the bleomycin group. Conclusions: Results of the present study showed that hydroalcoholic extracts of pomegranate seeds had a significant protective effect against bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by its antioxidant properties. The highest protective effect was observed for the 400 mg/kg dose.
The Effect of Prunus cerasus (Sour Cherry) Kernel Seed Extract on QT Interval of Heart and its Histopathology in Biliary Cirrhosis Induced by Bile Duct Ligation in Rats
(Brieflands, 2015-11-01) Heibatullah Kalantari; Masoumeh Mombeyni; Mahin Dianat; Mohammad Badavi; Mehdi Goudarzi
Background: QT prolongation is a problem that increases the ventricular arrhythmias in the cirrhotic patients. Sour cherry seed extract has been reported to have potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Objectives: This study aimed to find the effect of Prunus cerasus (sour cherry) kernel seed extract on QT interval of heart and its histopathological parameters in rats with biliary cirrhosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats (200 - 250 g) were divided into 4 groups; negative control, cirrhotic, and 2 cirrhotic groups treated with sour cherry kernel extract in doses of 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg orally for 4 weeks. In all groups before BDL and 4 weeks after surgery animals were anesthetized and their electrocardiograms were recorded. After the required period of BDL, liver was isolated and immersed in 10% formalin solution and stained by hematoxylin and eosin for histological studies. Results: Results were analyzed by using Student t-test and one-way ANOVA. P < 0.05 was considered as significant level. The QT interval was calculated using the Bazettʼs formula and corrected QT (QTc) was obtained. Four weeks after BDL, the QTc and amount of total and direct bilirubin in cirrhotic group were found as 213.6 ± 6.8 ms, 10.5 ± 1.02 mg/dL, and 7.9 ± 0.7 mg/dL, respectively. These values significantly increased compared to the negative control group (119.9 ± 6.2 ms, 0.11 ± 0.00102 mg/dL, and 0.1 ± 0.0002 mg/dL) (P < 0.001). Histopathological parameters were reduced in cirrhotic groups treated with extract compared to control cirrhotic group. Conclusions: These results revealed that cirrhosis produce prolonged QT interval and sour cherry extract has an ameliorating effect on QT prolongation probably via its antiarrhythmic property.
Evaluation of Sub-acute Oral Toxicity of Lithium Carbonate Microemulsion (Nano Size) on Liver and Kidney of Mice
(Brieflands, 2015-02-28) Heibatullah Kalantari; Anayatollah Salimi; Anahita Rezaie; Fereshteh Jazayeri Shushtari; Mehdi Goudarzi
Background: The development of drug delivery systems has improved the therapeutic and toxic properties of existing drugs in therapy. Microemulsion systems are novel vehicles for drug delivery, which have been developed in recent years. These systems are currently of interest to the pharmaceutical scientist because of their considerable potential to act as drug delivery vehicles by incorporating into a wide range of drug molecules. Although these systems improved solubility and bioavailability of drugs, they may have potential toxic effects on the body organs. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine a possible hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effect of lithium carbonate microemulsion (LCME) in a mice model. Materials and Methods: Eighty male Swiss albino mice were randomly allocated to eight experimental groups, as follows: Group 1, as negative control group were treated orally with normal saline (0.9% NaCl); Group 2, received microemulsion base without drug as control group; Groups 3 to 5, received lithium carbonate (LC) solution in doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively; Groups 6 to 8, received LCME orally in doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively. All drugs were administered orally for ten consecutive days. Serum glutamate pyruvate aminotransferase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate aminotransferase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and plasma creatinine (Cr), as markers of liver and kidney toxicity in treated mice, were measured. Furthermore, the changes of tissue were assessed by histopathologic examination. Results: The findings showed that serum activity of ALP, SGOT, and SGPT and the levels of BUN and Cr in microemulsion base group was greater than normal saline group. However, this difference was not significant. Administration of LC and LCME in all doses resulted in a significant increase in the levels of BUN and serum activity of SGOT and SGPT in comparison to normal saline group (P < 0.05). Histopathological changes were observed in mice treated with LC or LCME. Conclusions: This study showed that subacute oral administration of different doses of LCME with severe toxicity in comparison to the same dose of LC.
Synthesis of Vitamin E Novel Analogues as Anti-Cancer Compounds
(Brieflands, 2016-02-01) Kamran Mousavi Hosseini; Mohammad Ali Jalili
Background: Antioxidant compounds have been shown to slow down the development of chemically induced tumors. It has been estimated that most of human cancer cases are due to environmental factors and would be preventable if the main risks could be identified. The potential of vitamin E as a cancer preventive agent has been studied and individuals whose intake of vitamin E was above average showed a low risk of lung cancer. Vitamin E is a mixture of four lipid soluble phenols including α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol. Objectives: In our study, to investigate the antioxidant activity of α-tocopherol-derived radicals in comparison with other phenoxyl radicals, a number of substituted phenols were synthesized, most of which contained t-butyl groups in the 2- and 6-positions. Materials and Methods: All the synthesized compounds were recrystallized and the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were run on Bruker GRYOSPES WM 360 machine; the IR spectra were also run on a Perkin Elmer 1430 ratio recording infrared spectrophotometer. Microanalyses were carried out on a Perkin Elmer 4000 CHN analyzer; all the melting points were measured by an electrothermal melting point apparatus, which were uncorrected. Results: Five synthesized vitamin E analogues, including 2, 6-di-t-butyl-4-nitrophenol, 2, 6-di-t-butyl-4-formylphenol, 2, 6-di-t-butyl-4aldoximephenol, 2, 6-di-t-butyl-4-cyanophenol, and 2, 4, 6-trimethoxyphenol, were analyzed by NMR, infrared (IR), and microanalysis, and their melting point were measured by the electrothermal melting point apparatus. Conclusions: In this study, five vitamin E analogues were synthesized to compare their efficiencies with vitamin E as an antioxidant to be able to interfere in free radical chain reactions and terminate the propagation of free radicals. The efficacies of all five synthesized vitamin E analogues in terms of antioxidant activity and their kinetic study will be investigated in our other study.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Maintenance Doses of Caffeine Citrate on Tracheal Tube Removal and Apnea After it in Premature Infants Hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Clinical Trial
(Brieflands, 2024-05-31) Elahe Raeisi Estabragh; Bahareh Bahman Bijari; Zahra Jamali; Fatemeh Sabzevari; Mahdieh Eslamian; Marjan Nikvarz; Mohammad Amin Raeisi Estabragh; Zahra Daei Parizi
Background: Respiratory distress ranks among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in premature infants, with intubation and mechanical ventilation being prominent aggressive treatments. Caffeine citrate, a widely used methylxanthine, treats apnea of prematurity in such infants. However, the efficacy of high caffeine doses remains contentious. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of maintenance doses of caffeine citrate in facilitating tracheal tube removal and reducing subsequent apnea episodes in premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. Methods: Conducted as a randomized clinical trial at Afzalipur Hospital in Kerman, Iran, in 2023, this study involved eighty neonates with gestational ages under 35 weeks. They were divided into two groups: One received an initial caffeine citrate dose of 20 mg/kg followed by a maintenance dose of 5 mg/kg per day until the infant exhibited no apnea for at least 7 days post-extubation, while the other group received a maintenance dose of 10 mg/kg. Variables such as gestational age, sex, weight, and Apgar scores at one and five minutes post-birth were analyzed. The study assessed the effectiveness of caffeine citrate doses in terms of tracheal tube removal and reduction in apnea incidents, with secondary outcomes including patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), feeding intolerance, and tachycardia. Due to data non-normality, non-parametric tests were utilized for mean comparisons and the chi-Square test for qualitative variables and relationships (P-value < 0.05). Results: The findings revealed no significant differences in hospital stay duration, time until separation from the device, Apgar scores at one and five minutes post-birth, or the incidence of PDA, NEC, BPD, and feeding intolerance between the two groups. However, the incidence of tachycardia was notably higher in the group receiving the higher caffeine dose (P-value = 0.026). Conclusions: While the incidence of tachycardia was significantly higher in infants receiving a maintenance dose of 10 mg/kg, there was no observed difference in the efficacy of the two caffeine doses. Therefore, a maintenance dose of 5 mg/kg of caffeine citrate emerges as a more favorable treatment option.
Evaluation of In vivo Antimalarial Activities of leaves of Moringa oleifera against Plasmodium berghei in Mice
(Brieflands, 2018-02-28) Eshetu Mulisa; Biniyam Girma; Shibiru Tesema; Moti Yohannes; Endalew Zemene; Wote Amelo
Background: In addition to resistance against drugs, no new drugs have reached the market during the last decade for malaria treatment. This implies the urgent need to search for new drugs from different sources. Medicinal plants are one of such sources for novel drugs. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate antimalarial activity of crude extract of leaves of Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae) in Plasmodium berghei in a mice model. Methods: The acute toxicity test was used as per standard guidelines. To determine parasite inhibition, 4-day Peter’s suppressive test was done. Curative and prophylactic tests were done by applying standard methods. Windows SPSS version 16 was used to analyse the data and analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Post Hoc Tukey’s HSD to compare results between groups. Results: Death was not observed up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg of the plant extract. In all mice treated with the extract, the level of parasitaemia was significantly reduced in comparison with the control group (P < 0.001) and also a very significant difference was observed in comparison with the chloroquine treated group (P < 0.0001) with lower doses. Mean survival time was significantly increased at all treatment doses. It reduced parasitemia in a dose-dependent manner in both curative and prophylactic activity tests resulting in a significant (P < 0.05) reduction of parasitaemia in comparison with the control group. Conclusions: The result of the current study revealed that the extract possessed significant anti-plasmodial activity as displayed by its ability to suppress P. berghei infection in mice. The present study can be considered as confirmation for traditionally claimed use of the plant against malaria treatment.
Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils of Ballota nigra Subsp. kurdica From Iran
(Brieflands, 2017-08-31) Mohammad Majdi; Dara Dastan; Hossein Maroofi
Background: Medicinal plants have been considered a good source for finding new pharmaceutical chemicals, and identification of chemical composition is the first step towards uncovering the nature of bioactive compounds. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the composition of the essential oil of Ballota nigra subsp. kurdica from Iran for the first time and to test its in vitro antibacterial activity against some bacteria. Methods: The flowers of Ballota nigra subsp. kurdica were subjected to a Clevenger extractor for essential oil extraction, and gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis was performed for its analysis. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria were used to test antibacterial activity of the essential oil using the disk diffusion method. Results: GC-MS analysis detected 22 components in the extracted essential oil which constituted more than 98% of total essential oil. The main compounds of the oil were caryophyllene oxide (39.43%), trans-caryophyllene (24.88%), germacrene D (7.64%), 1-undecene (4.20%), isoaromadendrene epoxide (3.25%), and tridecane-1 (2.81%). The essential oil showed moderate to high antimicrobial activity against all tested strains. Conclusions: The data of this study suggests that the essential oil of B. nigra subsp. kurdica could be considered a natural antimicrobial agent to preserve food and treat infections in the near future.
CHARACTERIZATION AND EVALUATION OF OKRA GUM AS A TABLET BINDER
(Brieflands, 2008-11-30) N Tavakoli; N Ghassemi Dehkordi; R Teimouri; H Hamishehkar
The type and amount of binders decisively influence the characteristics of tablets prepared by wet granulation procedure. Commonly used binders like acacia, gelatin, starch and hydrolyzed starch have natural origin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new binder extracted from Hibiscus esculentus (Okra gum) in tabletting. Okra gum was extracted from the pods of Okra fruit by maceration in distilled water followed by filtration of viscous solution as well as precipitation of gum extract by using acetone. To evaluate the binder effectiveness, two models, including a placebo formulation (lactose) and a drug formulation (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and/or Calcium acetate) were evaluated. Granules were prepared by different concentrations (0.5-6 %w/w) of Okra gum and tabletted using a Kilian single punch press. Cornstarch (12.5 % w/w) and P.V.P (22 %w/w) were employed as the standard binders for comparison. The physical properties of the granulates and those of the tablets including disintegration time and dissolution rate were studied. The properties of placebo granulates (bulk and tapped density, granule strength, flowability) as well as those of tablets (hardness, friability, disintegration time) were generally good. Moreover, the physical properties of Ibuprofen and Calcium acetate tablets containing Okra gum showed sufficient hardness, desirable disintegration time and low friability. The percent of drug released after 45 minutes were 15 %, 44 % and 96 % for Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen and Calcium acetate tablets, respectively. Okra gum produces some tablet formulations with good hardness and friability. However, this binder prolongs the dissolution rate of some slightly soluble drugs and hence may be good candidate for sustained release formulations.
The Effect of Quercetin on the Expression of miR-21 and miR-34a-5p on HeLa and Ca Ski Cell Lines
(Brieflands, 2024-11-30) Seyyed Navid Mousavinejad; Mohammad Ali Takhshid; Siamak Salami; Marjan Khorsand; Fatemeh Asgari; Majid Sirati-Sabet
Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women. In recent years, significant progress has been made in its treatment. Quercetin, a polyphenolic compound found in flavonoid-containing plants, is of interest due to its potential therapeutic effects. miR-21 plays a crucial role in cervical tumor metastasis by activating pathways related to invasion and migration, while miR-34a-5p is essential in regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and preventing increased cell proliferation and migration. The findings of this study could provide insight into the role of quercetin in cancer cells. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effect of quercetin on the expression levels of miR-21 and miR-34a-5p in HeLa and Ca Ski cervical cancer cell lines. Methods: In this study, HeLa and Ca Ski cells were treated with quercetin. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated using the MTT assay and flow cytometry over a 48-hour period. Additionally, the effects of quercetin on the expression levels of miR-21 and miR-34a-5p were analyzed using qRT-PCR. Results: The study demonstrated that quercetin inhibited the viability of HeLa and Ca Ski cells and induced apoptosis in these cells. Quercetin suppressed cell viability with an IC50 of 102.9 μM for HeLa and 304.1 μM for Ca Ski cells after 48 hours. Quercetin down-regulated miR-21 in HeLa and Ca Ski cell lines by 2.5 ± 0.1 (P = 0.045) and 2.0 ± 0.2 (P = 0.016) fold, respectively. Additionally, miR-34a-5p increased by 3.3 ± 0.7 (P = 0.010) and 2.4 ± 0.8 (P = 0.047) fold after exposure to quercetin in HeLa and Ca Ski cell lines, respectively. Conclusions: Our study showed that quercetin has an anti-cervical cancer effect and can be used alongside standard therapies as a promising agent with fewer side effects in cervical cancer treatment.
Effect of Royal Jelly on Formalin Induced-Inflammation in Rat Hind Paw
(Brieflands, 2015-02-28) Ardeshir Arzi; Samaneh Olapour; Hamid Yaghooti; Neda Sistani Karampour
Background: Royal Jelly (RJ), a food item secreted by worker honeybees, is a mixture that contains protein, glucose, lipid, vitamins, and minerals; it is widely used as a commercial medical product. Previous studies have shown that RJ has a number of physiological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiallergic and antioxidant activities. Objectives: In the present study, the anti-inflammatory properties of RJ were investigated in formalin-induced rat paw edema. Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 male Wistar albino rats were divided into five equal groups (n = 6) as follows: test groups received different doses (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, ip) of RJ and a negative control group received normal saline (5 mL/kg) and a positive control group received aspirin (300 mg/kg, i.p). Edema was induced on the right hind paw of the rat by a subplantar injection of 100 µL of formalin (2.5%) after 30 minutes. Paw edema was measured in the rats received the drugs, saline and aspirin before and after the formalin injection during 5 hours, using a plethysmometer. Results: The results showed that RJ has a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect and the highest anti-inflammatory effect was observed in the doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. Conclusions: Royal jelly has potent anti-inflammatory effects compared to aspirin and it could be used in the treatment of inflammation. However, further studies are required to determine the active components in RJ responsible for this effect and its mechanism of action.
Efficacy Evaluation of Nebulized Magnesium, as an Additional Complementary Treatment, in Clinical and Peak Flow Metric Improvements of Acute Asthma Attack: A Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial
(Brieflands, 2017-11-30) Hassan Motamed; Mohammadreza Maleki Verki; Mandana Pooladzade; Alireza Majidi
Background: Exacerbation of acute asthma attacks is a medical challenging problem that affects health systems all around the world. According to the reports, acute asthma has allocated about 1 to 12% of adults’ referral to the emergency departments by itself. This study aimed to investigate the effect of additional nebulized magnesium sulfate, as an additional complementary treatment, on the management of acute asthma attack. Due to controversies and the fact that previous research has been unable to confirm the benefits of routine use of magnesium in the course of treatment of asthma acute phase, this trial was conducted. Methods: Patients with a possible clinically suggested acute asthma attack, aged 18 to 65, were divided into two groups of intervention and control. An initial peak flow meter evaluation at arrival identified the severity of patients’ asthma attack. 148 patients with moderate to severe attacks were included in the study in two groups. Patients of the control group received standard asthma treatment consisting of nebulized albuterol 2.5 mg and nebulized ipratropium bromide 0.5 mg, both in minutes 0, 20, and 40 after arrival and oral single-dose prednisolone 50 mg at arrival. Patients of the case group received additional doses of nebulized magnesium sulfate 0.3 g in minutes 0, 20, and 40 after arrival in addition to the standard treatment performed on the control group. The clinical setting of dyspnea Borg scale in both the case and control groups, as well as their PEFR and FEV1 values, were recorded during the trial in minutes 0, 20, 40, and 60 after arrival. Chi-square, T-test, and Mann Whitney test were applied for data analysis. Results: The study was conducted on 148 subjects who were divided into two groups of 75 and 73 as case and control groups, respectively. PEFR values in minutes 40 and 60 after arrival were 295.04 and 336.2 in the case group and 249.64 and 282.86 in the control group, and there was a significant difference in the PEFR improvements between the case and control groups (P < 0.001). In addition, FEV1 in minutes 40 and 60 after arrival was respectively 2.26 and 2.66 in the case group and 1.88 and 2.23 in the control group. There were significant differences in FEV1 improvements between the case and control groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions: According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that administration of nebulized magnesium sulfate as an adjunctive medication to the standard treatment is beneficial in the management of moderate to severe acute asthma attacks and significantly leads to better control of acute attack in short term.
GC-MS Analysis of Anti-Candida and Antioxidant Activities of Hydroalcoholic Leaf Extract of Chaerophyllum macropodum
(Brieflands, 2018-11-30) Farahnaz Bineshian; Neda Bakhshandeh; Kazem Taherian; Hossein Nazari
Background: Chaerophyllum is a genus from the family Apiaceae. Chaerophyllum macropodum as a wild species is endemic to Iran and Turkey. The leaves of this plant are used in the food industry, as well as medicine. Since resistance has increased in some Candida species, side effects of chemical drugs and the use of medicinal plants are very important. Objectives: We reviewed the antioxidant and anti-Candida effects of hydroalcoholic leaf extracts of C. macropodum. Methods: For the evaluation of the antioxidant potential of C. macropodum extracts, DPPH radical scavenging test, reducing power assay, and β-carotene bleaching test were performed. Moreover, the total free phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured. A GC-MS instrument was used for analyzing the extract components. In addition, hydroalcoholic extraction was performed by agar well-diffusion method against 40 Candida species isolated from patients. Results: According to the DPPH test, a moderate antiradical activity was attributed to C. macropodum leaf extract; maximum inhibition (6.38) was reported at 1000 μg/mL. Based on the findings, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 57.43 ± 0.25 and 138 ± 19.80 (mg/g), respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for C. albicans and C. glabrata were 300 and 400 μg/μL at 48 hours, respectively. Conclusions: In this study, a moderate antioxidant activity was attributed to C. macropodum leaf extracts. In addition, the results confirmed that leaf extracts had inhibitory activity against bacteria and Candida species. Therefore, they may be applied as antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal agents in food protection.
Modulation of Extracellular Matrix by Scrophularia striata Extract in Vitro: A Potential Antiscarring Agent
(Brieflands, 2020-08-31) Pari Tamri; Rasool Haddadi; Fatemeh Javani Jouni
Background: Hypertrophic scars are the consequences of the aberration of normal wound healing. To date, therapeutic strategies for abnormal scarring have been unsuccessful. ‎‏The abnormal extracellular‎ matrix is one of the most important contributing factors to ‎hypertrophic scars. ‏Scrophularia striata has been used in Iranian folk medicine for the treatment of burn wounds. ‏The plant extract accelerates wound healing and attenuates scar formation. Objectives: The study was performed to investigate the effects of Scrophularia striata hydroalcoholic extract (SSE) on MMP1, MMP8, fibronectin, collagen type I, and total collagen produced by human skin fibroblasts in the culture medium. Methods: The effects of SSE on the expression of MMP1, MMP8, fibronectin, and collagen type I in human skin fibroblast (HSF) were evaluated using Q-PCR and Western blotting methods. In addition, the effect of SSE on the total collagen content was measured in cultured HSF using Red Sirius Kit. Results: SSE significantly induced the expression of MMP1 and suppressed the production of fibronectin at the mRNA and protein levels. The total collagen content was significantly lower in SSE-treated cells than in untreated cells. SSE did not have any significant effect on MMP8 and collagen type I expression. Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that SSE could modulate the extracellular matrix turnover and had the potential for the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars.
Naturally Occurring Compounds and their Importance as Pharmaceutical Ingredients
(Brieflands, 2021-11-30) Eskandar Moghimipour
This article does not have an abstract.
Autophagy and Apoptosis Cross-Talk in Response to Epigallocatechin Gallate in NALM-6 Cell Line
(Brieflands, 2023-11-30) Faezeh Gharehchahi; Farahnaz Zare; Gholamreza Rafiei Dehbidi; Zahra Yousefi; Somayeh Pourpirali; Gholamhossein Tamaddon
Background: Chemotherapy, the primary treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), often yields inadequate responses. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been shown to significantly affect tumor cells through various mechanisms, including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy. Objectives: The objective of this study is to explore the impact of EGCG on autophagy, apoptosis, and the interplay between them in NALM-6, a pre-B-ALL cell line. Methods: NALM-6 cells were subjected to various concentrations of EGCG for 24 and 48 hours. Additionally, NH4Cl 10 mM was used as an autophagy inhibitor to examine this mechanism. The EGCG effect on cell viability and apoptosis was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), trypan blue exclusion assay, and flow cytometry. Moreover, western blot analysis and real-time PCR were performed to investigate autophagy. Results: Our findings demonstrated that EGCG significantly affected cell proliferation and viability. It reduced cell viability by 55.2 ± 8.4% (P < 0.0001) while inducing apoptosis by 51 ± 1.9% (P = 0.006). Furthermore, in the presence of NH4Cl, EGCG led to a 3.9 ± 1.8-fold increase in LC3 protein level (P = 0.001). It also resulted in an approximately 1.34 ± 0.34-fold enhancement in DRAM1 mRNA expression levels (P = 0.013), while reducing of LC3B by 33.3 ± 30.5% (P = 0.008), P62/SQSTM1 by 46.5 ± 28.3% (P < 0.001), and Atg2B by 45.5 ± 16.3% (P < 0.001). However, the inhibition of autophagy did not alter the apoptosis rate in either untreated or EGCG-treated cells. Conclusions: Overall, our findings suggest that EGCG can trigger apoptosis and autophagy in NALM-6 cell line. However, blockage of autophagy does not appear to impact apoptosis in this cell line.
Sodium Cromolyn Modulates Carrageenan-Induced Acute Inflammation Through the Interleukin-6 Levels
(Brieflands, 2024-05-31) Ali Asghar Hemmati; Mehri Ghafourian; Mohammad Javad Khodayar; Hadi Zarin; Masoumeh Saberi Rounkian; Amir Jalali
Background: Previous studies have indicated that sodium cromolyn does not negatively affect steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Objective: This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of sodium cromolyn on carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and assess its impact on IL-6, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Methods: The carrageenan-induced paw edema model is widely used for studying inflammatory mechanisms and evaluating anti-inflammatory drugs. The test groups received intraperitoneal injections of sodium cromolyn at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg alongside a positive control group (indomethacin at 5 mg/kg) and a negative control group (which received the solvent, saline). Thirty minutes after drug administration, carrageenan (1% w/v) was injected into the right hind paws of the rats. Changes in paw volume were measured using a plethysmometer at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 hours post-carrageenan injection. Blood and paw tissue samples were collected three hours after carrageenan administration, and IL-6 levels were determined using the standard rat Interleukin-6 ELISA kit. Results: The plasma and tissue IL-6 levels in the group treated with cromolyn (25 mg/kg) were significantly higher than those in the positive control group (indomethacin 5 mg/kg). Sodium cromolyn at a dose of 25 mg/kg had a negligible effect on reducing paw edema and IL-6 levels in serum and paw tissues compared to indomethacin (5 mg/kg). The IL-6 levels in plasma and tissues for the group receiving 50 mg/kg of cromolyn were not significantly different from those in the indomethacin group (5 mg/kg). However, IL-6 levels in the group treated with 100 mg/kg of cromolyn were significantly lower than those in the indomethacin group. Among the groups treated with sodium cromolyn, the highest and lowest IL-6 levels were observed in the groups receiving 25 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of sodium cromolyn, respectively. The anti-inflammatory effects of sodium cromolyn at doses of 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg were analyzed, revealing that 25 mg/kg of cromolyn sodium was not significantly effective at any time point (P < 0.05). Additionally, no significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed between the 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg doses at any study hour. Sodium cromolyn at a 50 mg/kg dose was as effective as indomethacin (5 mg/kg) in significantly reducing paw edema. Conclusions: Sodium cromolyn, at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, effectively reduced paw edema and the concentration of serum and paw tissue IL-6 (P < 0.05), demonstrating significant anti-inflammatory activity. Sodium cromolyn at a 50 mg/kg dose is recommended as the anti-inflammatory dose of this drug.
Curcumin Inhibited Endothelin-1 mRNA Expression Induced by TGF-β in Bovine Aortic Endothelial Cell
(Brieflands, 2018-12-08) Zahra Keshavarz; Alireza Kheirollah; Mohammad-Ali Ghaffari; Hossein Babaahmadi-Rezaei
Objectives: Curcumin is a plant polyphenol compound used as a traditional supplement in many countries. The potential therapeutic or preventive effects of curcumin may be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The current in vitro study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin on the expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulated by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). Methods: Bovine aortic endothelial cells derived from bovine aorta were maintained in low glucose DMEM (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium). The time-course and different concentrations of TGF-β (2 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL) were used to evaluate ET-1 mRNA expression. Also, the BAECs were treated with 10 µM of SB431542 (chemical inhibitor of TGF-β receptor) as positive control and different doses of curcumin (5 µM, 10 µM, and 15 µM). The expression of ET-1 mRNA was quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA with SPSS software. Results: ET-1 mRNA expression significantly increased in six hours in the TGF-β-treated group (2.79 ± 0.9). SB431542, as well as curcumin 10 µM and 15 µM significantly decreased the expression of ET-1 mRNA by 2.3 ± 0.15, 1.5 ± 0.16, and 1.02 ± 0.01, respectively. Conclusions: Curcumin downregulated ET-1 mRNA; this result suggested a possible underlying molecular mechanism mediated through ET-1 to exert its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Unveiling Therapeutic Effects of Thymbra spicata L. on Cystic Echinococcosis
(Brieflands, 2024-05-31) Kourosh Cheraghipour; Pegah Shakib; Amal Khudair Khalaf; Mohammad Mehrnia; Abbas Moridnia; Sana Amiri; Hossein Mahmoudvand
Background: The hydatid cyst (cystic echinococcosis) is the larval stage of Echinococcusgranulosus sensu lato, which accounts for significant zoonotic infections worldwide. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of the essential oil derived from Thymbra spicata L. (TSEO) against protoscoleces (PSCs) and hydatid cysts of E. granulosus. Methods: The components of TSEO were characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The in vitro effects of TSEO on PSCs were determined using the eosin exclusion test. The effect of TSEO on caspase-3 gene expression and exterior ultrastructure of PSCs was investigated using real-time PCR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. In vivo effects of TSEO at doses of 20, 30, and 40 mg/kg/day were also studied in mice with hydatid cysts. Results: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the main compounds in TSEO were carvacrol (65.88%), γ-terpinene (9.71%), and p-cymene (7.82%), respectively. The results showed the highest lethality of TSEO at 30 µg/mL after 60 minutes of exposure. The IC50 value was 18.60 µg/mL after 60 minutes of exposure to TSEO. After exposing PSCs to TSEO, the expression level of the caspase-3 gene increased over time with increasing concentration (P < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy images of the cyst treated with 50 µL/mL of TSEO showed ultrastructural damage, rostellar disorganization, alterations in the teguments, and deformation of the cyst structure. In the in vivo assay, it was found that the average number, size, and weight of hydatid cysts decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after treatment with TSEO. The maximum efficacy was observed after treatment with TSEO at a dose of 40 mg/kg, resulting in a significant decrease in the number, weight, and size of hydatid cysts by 9.6 ± 1.51, 2.64 ± 0.39 g, and 0.18 ± 0.022 mm, respectively. Conclusions: The study findings confirmed the promising in vitro and in vivo effects of TSEO against hydatid cyst infection. Considering the possible mechanisms, TSEO provoked cell wall damage and induced apoptosis. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings and clarify the precise mechanisms of action.

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