Journal of Medicinal Plants
Year:2014 | Volume:13 | Issue:50|Papers Count:26

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) is a perennial shrub belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is widely used in food; pharmaceutical products and tobacco industry because of its important secondary metabolites. Due to worldwide uses of licorice, it has significant role in export. One of the main bioactive compounds of the root is glycyrrhizic acid (GA) which is a saponine containing three carboxyl and five hydroxyl groups. Glycyrrhizic acid is used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic remedy for the treatment of bronchial asthma, eczemas and other diseases. There are different methods for separation, purification, and analysis of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) from licorice roots. Most accepted technologies of them include using of solvents, water separation, polymeric macro porous resin and non-ionic surfactants. Also, high-performance liquid chromatography technique is the most important in analysis of GA.

Polyploidy is one of the widespread phenomena in plant kingdom, which has a vital role in evolution and speciation of plants and is usually accompanied by significant changes in morphology, cell and organ size, expression patterns of genes, respiration and phtotosynthesis, regeneration ability, fertility, biochemistry and metabolom of plants. Therefore polyploidy, especially tetraploidy, has been widely applied in modification of various characteristics of plants. The diversity of traits resulted by the induction of polyploidy, depends on the genotype and species and therefore is not always useful. Though tetraploidy usually results in fewer seeds and decrease of fertility but in cases where the increase in biomass or concentration of medicinal compounds is of importance, it can be efficiently applied for breeding of medicinal plants. Autotetraploidy doubles the gene dosage and allotetraploidy collects the useful allels of a biosynthetis pathway in a resulted hybrid and therefore may improve the production of secondary metabolites. According to the importance of herbal medicine and increasing demand for medicinally important secondary metabolites in our country, we describe the effects of polyploidy on various characteristics of medicinal plants and the methods of induction and selection of polyploid plants in this paper.

Background: Various studies have been conducted to show the effects of essences and enzymes on foodborne pathogens in culture media. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil and lysozyme alone and in combination on preventing growth of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in culture media. Methods: In this study, the MIC of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil and lysozyme, together and alone, on Vibrio parahaemolyticus, was determined by using macro and microdilution methods. Results: The MIC of Zataria multiflora essential oil determined 0.01% and 0.02% by using macro and microdilution methods, respectively and lysozyme at 1000 mg/mL concentration could not inhibit the growth of V. parahaemolyticus. Conclusion: According to the results of current study, Zataria multiflora essential oil showed better results in comparison with lysozyme, moreover Applying lysozyme and essential oil together did not decrease MIC, but extended the latent phase of V. parahaemolyticus, which considered an important factor in microbiology.

Background: Castor is a plant with various advantages that, it,s anti-fertility effects are seen in some studies. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of castor bean extract on spermatogenesis and sperm damage. Methods: 35 male mice were divided into four experimental groups and one control group. Control group received normal saline and experimental groups, received 25, 30, 35 and 45mg/kg body weight Castor bean extract for 30 days respectively. Ten days after the last injection mice were anesthetized and the epididymis and testis were removed. Heart blood samples were collected from mice to measure hormones. After preparing cross-sections of testis, samples were stained and line of cells were counted. The data were analyzed by One - Way ANOVA and Tukey test. Results: Right testicular and epididymal weight and number of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, Leydig and Spermatozoa in all experimental groups as well as the diameter in the three groups of 2, 3 and 4 groups were significantly smaller than control group (p<0.05). In experimental group 4, the rate of denaturation of DNA was significantly higher than control group. The Serum sex hormones and percentage of live sperm in the experimental groups 3 and 4, compared to the control group was decreased. Conclusion: Castor bean extract significantly decreases the number of sperm cell lines and sex hormone levels. Furthermore, in higher doses of extract, the sperm DNA denaturation increases. Thus, Castor bean extract may effect on fertility by reducing it.

Background: Diabetes is chronic and progressive disease in which lipid disorder is one of the common disorders which in turn cause the formation of its short-and long-term effects. Objective: This study was aimed to examine effect of Kombucha prepared from green tea on blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic rats. Methods: In the present study, 30 alloxan-induced diabetic wistar rats randomly divided in to three groups: 1) control group, 2) diabetic group receiving green tea and 3) diabetic group receiving Kombucha prepared from green tea. Experimental diabetes in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of Aloxan (130 mg/kg). The animals of groupsgreen tea and Kombucha received respectively green tea and Kombucha (made from green tea) and group1 received water 5 ml/kg by oral gavage daily for four weeks. Then glucose and lipid profile were measured. Results: Compared to control group, Serum glucose levels in groups green tea and kombucha were significantly reduced (respectively p=0.002 and p=0.0001). Compared with green tea, Kambocha decreased glucose significantly (p=0.050). Increasing concentrations of HDL in kombucha group in comparison with green tea group was significant (p=0.02) and reduction of total cholesterol and LDL concentration in groups kombucha and green tea in comparison with control group was significant. Meanwhile, decreased average total cholesterol and LDL concentration in kombucha group in comparison with grean tea group was also significan (respectively p= 0.0001 and p =0. 0001). Conclusion: Use of Kombucha caused a decrease in serum glucose, LDL, total cholesterol and an increase in HDL cholesterolthat this effects are probably because of fermentation process products.

Background: Physical activity and exercise increases the oxidation process in the body due to increased production of free radicals and ROS (reactive oxygen species) that can cause tissue damage. Free radicals are atoms or molecules that are highly reactive due to a single electron. An imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defense system causing oxidative stress. This trend is the use of antioxidant supplements for athletes. Due to the side effects of synthetic antioxidants, natural antioxidants, especially of plant origin tend to use increased. Saffron is a plant antioxidant. Objective: The aim of this study was evaluated the effect of saffron supplementation of antioxidant enzymes activities during a session eccentric exercise in active males. Methods: In a trial, quasi-experimental, 21- man active purposefully available selected as subjects and randomly assigned to three groups of complementary Saffron (n=7), vitamin C (n=7) and placebo (n=7) received 14 days in capsule form. After 14 days of supplementation, subjects with 70 % VO2max and -10% treadmill downhill running for 45 minutes. Results: The results showed that SOD activity was significantly increased saffron supplements, as well as a place in the placebo group than in the other two groups increased MDA activity was extroverted, while catalase activity did not change significantly. Conclusion: For the base of these results suggest that supplementation with saffron before eccentric exercise have a preventative effect to reduce the exercise induced oxidative stress.

Background: Mental Health of Nurses in recent decades, attracted more attention. therefore strategies to reduce stress level is essential. Objective: Ginkgo biloba is one of thes herbs that has widely usage in complimentary medicine.With regard to the these points and consider of positive effects of Ginkgo biloba, this study aimed to assess the effect of Ginkgo biloba on nurses stress levels. Methods: This clinical trial was a double blined cross sectional study that nurses eligible to participate in the study using sampling methods were selected and Then randomly given drug or placebo to nurses. The medication and placebo was 40 mg, twice a day. After the two -week, the experimental and control group were switched. Result: In this study 62 nurses for two weeks consume ginkgo. Sum score of occupational stress questionnaire in case group after intervention was 40.15 with standard deviation 10.26. sum score of occupational stress questionnaire in control group after intervention was 34.55 with standard deviation 12. Conclusion: With regard that stress in nurses has problems such as decrease quality of care and unsatisfaction and unefficacy and fatigue and these factors lead to emotional disorder then intervention for control them is necessary. Therefore with regard that this research identify positive effect of ginkgo on stress levels and ginkgo is a part of complimentary therapy has a wildly application then we can use that for increase quality of life in nurses.

Background: Paraquat (PQ) is a herbicide and exerts its cytotoxicity via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). There is no specific treatment for PQ poisoning. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate of hydroalcoholic ‎ extract Matricaria chamomilla L. (M. chamomilla) ‎‏‏against PQ-induced injury in association with its antioxidant activity. Methods: The male rats were treated by gastric gavage daily with PQ (5 mg/kg/day) and M. chamomilla (50 mg/kg/day) were administered alone or in combination for 7 days. After treatments, in blood sample, lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. Results: In this sample, the TAC was lower in the PQ group as compared with control group. PQ increased LPO level, GPx and SOD activities compared control group M. chamomilla extract increased TAC and decreased LPO level, GPx and SOD activities compared PQ group. Co-administration of PQ with M. chamomilla extract increased TAC and decreased GPx and SOD activities as compared with PQ group. Conclusion: In conclusion, M. chamomilla ‎as natural antioxidant may be considered beneficial for the protection oxidative damage in PQ poisoning.

Background: Because the excessive use of chemical fertilizers had harmful effects, bio-fertilizers using are suitable alternative for supply of safe food, healthy environment and human health. Objective: To evaluate the effect of bio-fertilizers on the quantity and quality yield of calendula medicinal plant. Methods: This study conducted in the research farm of Islamic Azad University (Shahr-e-Ray Branch) based on a randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Treatments were Nitroxin, Super nitro plus, Mycorrhizae, animal manure, chemical fertilizer (NPK) and control (no fertilizer). Results: The bio-fertilizers using had a significant effect on the most of studied quantity and quality parameters. Effect of bio-fertilizers was significant (p £0.05) on dry matter of flower and fresh yield and (p£0.01) on fresh weight of flower and essential oil yield of calendula. Biofertilizer had a significant effect on main constituents, Muurolol (epi-alpha) and alpha-Cadinol (%) (p£0.01). Conclusion: Biofertilizers had a positive and significant effect on yield of essential oil and also maximum yield of essential oil was observed by Nitroxin treatment.

Background: Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (G. glabra) root has been used in traditional medicine for treatment of several diseases. The main active constituent of G. glabra is glycyrrhizic acid with antioxidant property. The cytotoxic effects of several compound isolated from different plants have been attributed to their antioxidant properties. Objective: The present work was aimed to investigate the in-vitro cytotoxic screening of G. glabra root extract against 4T1 cell line derived from BALB/c mice mammary tumors. Methods: 4T1 cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium with 10% FBS and penicillin/streptomycin. Then cells treated with different concentration of G. glabra extract (50, 100, 200, 400, 800 mg/ml), taxol (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 nM) alone and in combination G. glabra and taxol for 24, 48, 72 hrs. Viability of the cells was measured through trypanblue and MTT staining. The cells morphology was studied using fluorescent dye. Results: G. glabra root extract and taxol showed significant cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells. Condensation and deformation of the nuclei were also observed similarly for both treatments. Moreover in combination therapy, G. glabra extract enhances taxol induced cytotoxicity in cancerous cells. Conclusion: G. glabra root extract and taxol showed cytotoxicity effects and morphological changes in 4T1 cells. This reduction in the viability of the cells was dependent on dose and time.

Background: Lichens are one of the appropriate biological models for biotechnological studies that produce a great variety of secondary metabolites by use of in vitro cultures. Various biological activities of these components are known, such as: anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-protozoal. Objective: In the present research, the purpose is the study of the effect of natural and cultured thalli and symbionts (alga and fungus in separate) extracts of Usnea articulata on skin wound healing in vivo conditions. Methodes: The collected samples were washed and dried in the shade. Thallus and lichen symbionts (after isolation) were cultured separately. Thin-layer chromatography for the natural and cultured thallus and the symbionts were done. Than methanolic extract of thalli and symbionts were prepared and their effects on wound healing were investigated. Results: Methanolic extract of natural thalli had only usnic acid, tissus cultute had usnic acid and 2 unknown components. Symbionts had no usnic acid. Methanolic extract of natural thalli and that callus were effective in the process of wound healing. They showed a meamingful difference with other groups under treatment. While metanolic extract of mycobiont and phycobiont callus did not have any effect on wound healing process. Conclusion: obviously, the formation of usnic acid is based on phisyological relationship between phycobiont and mycobiont. So they are not observed in the seprate symbionts.

Background: For centuries, plants have been a major source for drug discovery. Some examples of anticancer agents developed from plants are the vinblastine, vincristine, taxol and camptothecin. Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women and prostate cancer remains a considerable health problem for men around the world. Objective: The purpose of this study was cytotoxicity evaluation of Taverniera spartea on human cancer cell lines. Methods: In the present study, we determined the cytotoxic effects of total methanol extracts and their fractions of Taverniera spartea on MCF-7 and BT-474 human breast cancer cells and also PC-3 and Du-145 prostate cancer cells. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. Results: The chloroform fraction of Taverniera spartea showed the highest toxicity MTT assay. The IC50 value of this fraction was 70.69 mg/ml for MCF-7 breast cancer cell line after 48 h of exposure. Chloroform fraction showed necrotic effects on MCF-7, BT-474 and PC-3 in contrast apopthotic induction on Du-145 in flow cytometry analysis Conclusion: Taverniera spartea has cytotoxic effects. Further investigation is needed to determine chemical characterization of the active principles and the molecular mechanisms mediated anticancer activities of Taverniera spartea.

Background: Nowadays, medicinal plants are widely used in remedies of several ailments and improvement of human health because of their pharmaceutical properties. Objective: Recognition of plant species and data collection of native inhabitants in the case of attribute and either preparation methods of them in the treatment of various diseases. Methods: In order to gather information on medicinal species the area, an investigation was performed during 2011-2013. Data was obtained using direct interviews with 120 informants particularly those who were more familiar with the herbs and their medicinal properties. The most widely plant used and also the most populous families and genera in the region were identified. Results: Results of this study indicated that this zone has 70 plant species which belong to 37 families and 62 genera. Among 37 plant families being used in this area, Asteraceae with 7 species is the most used family and Plantago with 4 species is the largest genus in this zone. Intestinal - digestive system is the first target for traditional medicine in the area. Conclusion: In general, our findings can be used as a basis for selecting useful medicinal plants for further pharmacological and phytochemical studies and consequently to discover new drugs.

Background: Trigonelline in fenugreek seed is a valuable medicinal metabolite in reducing blood cholesterol and blood. Object: Determine the most important components of seed yield, percent and yield of seed trigonelline in fenugreek under foliar application and non-application of methanol. Methods: The experiment was done a randomized complete block design with two treatments as foliar application of methanol (0 and 30 v/v%) and four replications. Path analysis and stepwise regression were used in order to denote the most important effective traits on seed yield, percent and yield of seed trigonelline in fenugreek. Results: The results showed that 1000-seeds weight and number of branches per plant for seed yield; total dry weight and number of pods per plant for percent of seed trigonelline; seed yield and percent of seed trigonelline for yield of seed trigonelline in the non-application of methanol, and also, the number of seeds per pod, percent of seed oil, number of pods per plant and plant height for seed yield; leaf dry weight, shoot trigonelline and geometric mean diameter of seed for percent of seed trigonelline and seed yield; percent of seed trigonelline and pod length for yield of seed trigonelline in foliar application of methanol (30 v/v%) treatment significantly justified changes related to the dependent variables. Path analysis of dependent variables showed that the yield of seed trigonelline by direct positive effect of seed yield and the percent of seed trigonelline were the most important yield components of seed trigonelline. Conclusion: Generally, the results indicate that seed yield and percent of seed trigonelline can be used for increasing of yield of seed trigonelline in the breeding of fenugreek.

Background: Vibrio parahaemolyticus causes acute gastroenteritis associated with the consumption of contaminated raw or under cooked seafood. The virulence of vibrio parahaemolyticus is initially attributed to the production of a thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH). Objective: The survey of different concentrations of garlic essential oil (Allium sativum) on MIC, MBC, growth curve and production of TDH toxin of vibrio parahaemolyticus. Methods: The effects of garlic essential oil at concentrations of 0, 0.005, 0.015, 0.03 and 0.045% on the MIC, MBC, growth curve and production of TDH toxin of vibrio parahaemolyticus were studied in BHI model. Results: MIC and MBC of garlic essential oil was estimated 0.03%. The essential oil showed significant effect on toxin production, Titers of TDH production in 0 and 0.005% were 1/256 comparing to 1.64 in 0.015% concentration of EO. Concentrations of 0.005 and 0.015% of garlic essential oil reduced the bacterial growth rate significantly (p<0.05) compared to the control group. Conclusion: Garlic essential oil showed to be effective against bacterial growth and production of TDH toxin. Its potential application in food systems may be suggested.

Background: Marjoram belongs to the Lamiaceae family of plants is common in most parts of the world as a medicinal plant used. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify and compare the essential oil of two Origanum species to determine their composition is the most important. Methods: The aerial parts of two species of plants belong to Origanum genus, including Origanum vulgare L. and Origanum majorana L. in July 2013, in the beginning of flowering stage, were collected from the farm research of Medicinal Plants Institute. The aerial parts were dried in shadow condition in room and then after the essential oil content and its components were measured. The essential oils were extracted by clevenger apparatus and its constituents were determined by GC-MS. Results: The results indicated that amount of essential oil in O. vulgare was 0.13% (v/v), and its main components were trans-caryophyllene (21.46%), germacrene D (18.99%) and (E, E-α) farnesene (9.12%). While amount of essential oil in O. majorana was 1.09% (v/v), and its main components consisted of terpinolene-4-ol (23.11%), γ-terpinene (13.94%) and α-terpinene (8.11%). Conclusion: General differentiation between two species related to amount of component groups and their most important essential oil content. In O. vulgare, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (69/18%) are the most amount of essential oil; while in O. majorana, monoterpene hydrocarbons (42/53%) are the major parts of essential oil.

Background: There has been recently a great interest in the interaction between the synthetic drugs and the plant extracts to produce pharmacological responses. For example, the combination of plant extracts and common analgesics can increase their antinociceptive activity, allowing the use of lower doses and, thus, limiting side effects. Objectives: The effects of administration of Zingiber officinale extract, morphine, hyoscine and combination of Z. officinale with hyoscine were examined on pain control in rats. Methods: The rats were randomly divided into 10 groups (n=6). Hyoscine (0.5, 1, 5 and 10 mg/kg) and morphine (2.5 mg/kg) were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.). The extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) was administered orally one hour before hyoscine injection. Rats were evaluated 30 minutes after the last treatment in tail flick (tf) test. Results: Hyoscine (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg) and morphine (2.5 mg/kg) caused antinociception in tf test (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.05, p<0.001). Combination of hyoscine (0.5 mg/kg) and the Zingiber extract caused more antinociception compared to the groups that only received hyoscine or the extract. Conclusion: Since hyoscine as an anticholinergic drug with analgesic effects has some undesired side effects, combination of Z. officinale extract with hyoscine can cause antinociception with minimum dose and the side effects related to hyoscine.