Journal of Medicinal Plants
Year:2018 | Volume:17 | Issue:68 |Papers Count:18

Taxol is a very important anticancer drug which was first isolated from Yew plant (Taxus spp.).However, Taxol supply by extraction from natural sources, has several limitations, and cannot meet current market's demands. Therefore, it seems necessary to use alternative production methods. Producing Taxol through biotechnological approaches is among the main options which have some advantages such as independency of production from geographical and environmental conditions, higher production rate, and ease of extraction. This paper contains a review on some of the most important approaches used in Taxol biotechnological production. The main body of the paper is divided into five main parts: (1) Taxol biosynthesis and related genes, (2) Factors and strategies influencing the production of Taxol by plant cell cultures of Taxus spp., (3) Strategies based on genetic manipulation of Taxus spp. for the production of Taxol, (4) Using heterologous systems in taxane production, and (5) Taxol-producing endophytes and related studies. The current status of utilizing biotechnology in producing Taxol and its future outlooks have been also described.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) is one of the most selled culinary and medicinal herb throughout the world. Flowering aerial parts and leaves of oregano have been used as a popular flavoring of food stuffs and as an antioxidant agent in cosmetics. Oregano contains a wide array of active components, including flavonoids, phenolic acids and glucosides, phenols and triterpenes.Several biological activities namely antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antidiabetic, antispasmodic, antimelanogenesis and antiproliferative have been demonstrated for oreganobased essential oils and extracts. Among the main bioactive constituents of these products, the phenols carvacrol and thymol, and the phenolic rosmarinic acid and origanoside proved to be strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective agents.

Background: Heart disease is one of the side effects of breast cancer. Physical activity and herbs are effective in reducing the inflammatory factors of the heart tissue.Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 6 weeks of swimming and ginger on some inflammatory factors of the heart tissue of mice induced by breast cancer.Methods: 60 female Balb C-female (6-8 weeks old) and (150-250 g weight) after induction of breast cancer (surgical technique) and familiarity with the environment were randomly divided into 6 groups: healthy control, control Cancer, Cancer-Swim, Cancer-Supplement, Cancer-Saline-Supplement and Cancer-Saline. Swimming and swimming-Supplement groups swam for 6 weeks, five days a week and 60 minutes a day. Supplements and supplements-swimming groups were injected 6 days a day with ginger extract (20 mg / kg) and saline (sodium chloride 0.9%).After intervention, alpha-Tumor necrosis levels (TNFa) and Interleukin10 (IL10) were measured by ELISA and specialized kits. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the data (P<0.05).Results: The results showed that induction of cancer was associated with an increase in TNFαand a decrease in IL10. Six weeks of swimming, supplementation and combined intervention reversed these changes. But there is no significant difference between these three independent variables.Conclusion: Swimming, supplementation of ginger and their combination may be effective in modulating inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors in the heart tissue of breast cancer patients.

Background: Although hydro-alcoholic extracts of Anethum graveolens L. had Anticonvulsants effect on PTZ-induced kindling seizure behavior, but on the amygdala kindling in rats induced seizure has not been investigated.Objective: In this study, we evaluated the chronic effects of hydro-alcoholic extracts of Anethum graveolensL. on seizures using electrical amygdala kindling model.Methods: Rats were divided into six groups. They were kindled by stimulating the amygdala by consecutive daily. Then, treated by hydro-alcoholic extracts of Anethum graveolens L. (i.p.100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and After discharge Duration (ADD), Stage 4 latency (S4L) and Stage 5 duration (S5D) were recorded.Results: Hydro-alcoholic extracts of Anethum graveolens L. (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly increased stage 4 latency compare to the control group (P<0.05). Hydro-alcoholic extracts of Anethum graveolensL. (400 mg/kg) injection stage 5 duration caused by amygdala electrical kindling. Hydro-alcoholic extracts of Anethum graveolens L. (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) injection significantly reduced ADD induced by amygdala kindling.Conclusion: The data showed that injection of hydro-alcoholic extracts of Anethum graveolens L. has anti-epileptic effect and increases the time required for amygdala kindling and may have anticonvulsant effects.

Background: The post-harvesting process of medicinal plants such as drying operation and storage conditions has great influence on their quality and quantity of the active ingredients.Objective: The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of pre-drying operation and also storage conditions and duration on the essential oil content and composition of Thymus daenensis.Methods: A factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor include drying operations (including pre-drying and without predrying), the second factor include storage method (shade storage and storage in a refrigerator at 4oC), and the third factor was storage duration (storing the plant’s organs for 60, 120 and 180 days).The essential oil was extracted by clevenger apparatus and its components were identified using GC and GC/Mass.Results: The highest amounts of essential oil, linalool, borneol, terpinene-4-ol, thymol methyl ether, e-anethol, thymol and carvacrol were observed in plants stored for 60 days. Also, the highest amounts of a-pinene, camphen, b -pinene, myrcene, a -phellandrene, a -terpinene, limonene, cissabinene hydrate and trans-sabinene hydrate were observed in the plants dried in the shade after pre-drying operation and stored in the refrigerator for 120 days.Conclusion: Drying of T. daenensis plants under shade without pre-drying operation and storing in 4oC was the best way to obtain the highest amounts of essential oil and its main components (thymol and carvacrol).

Background: Proper nutritional support is one of the important caring aspects in patients who were hospitalized in ICU.Objective: This study was done to investigate Oral Drop Gastrolit effect on the gastric residual volume (GRV) in mechanically ventilated patients hospitalized in ICU.Methods: In this clinical trial, 50 mechanically ventilated patients were recruited using convenience sampling method; and were randomly divided into two control (Placebo=water) and experimental groups (Gastrolit). Intervention group patients were given Gastrolit (20 drops) three times a day for 4 days. GRV was measured before the gavages. The mean GRV of patients were compared in the two groups for 4 days. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test, Chi squared test, and Mann Whitney u test and Friedman test in the SPSS-16.Results: The results showed that most patients were male (60%), and their mean age±SD were 63.06±19.6. GRV decreased in the intervention group but increased in the control group. The mean GRV in the intervention group on the second, third, and fourth day significantly lower than the control group (P<0.0001).Conclusion: It seems Gastrolit can decrease GRV in mechanically ventilated patients, so it can be used to improve gastric emptying and prevent delayed gastric emptying complications.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as a common cause of infertility is the endocrine disorder among reproductive-aged women. Nevertheless, the management and treatment of this major problem is not deterministic, and surrounded by many controversies.Objective: In this study the effects of betanin, as red pigment present in red beetroot, in the PCOS induced rats are evaluated.Methods: Sodium valerate was injected intraperitoneally into wistar female rats to induce PCOS for 25 days. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: a normal control group without sodium valerate, Sham (sodium valerate-induced PCOS) group received 0.5 ml distilled water, metformin group and two groups that received betanin at doses of 8 and 16 mg/kg/ day for 30 days after they were administered sodium valerate. The Glucose, lipid profile, gonadotropine hormones were determined using calorimetric assays in PCOS induced rats.Histological examinations were carried out on hematoxylin-eosin stained sections using light microscopy.Results: When compared with sham, betanin caused low ovarian cysts with a high incidence of ovarian primary, antral, graafian follicles and corpus luteum. The plasma glucose, cholesterol, LDL and LH levels were found to be diminished significantly in rats with PCOS whereas plasma HDL and FSH levels were significantly increased.Conclusion: The betanin affected the cysts and follicles of the PCOS induced rats.

Background: Biotic and abiotic elicitors produce secondary metabolites and alter physiological traits of the plants by affecting some of the mechanisms within the plant cells.Objective: This study was aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of spherical nano-carbon and salicylic acid on physiological traits and paratolenolidae content in Feverfew.Methods: This research was conducted in a factorial experiment based on randomized completely design (CRD) under greenhouse conditions. The first factor was Feverfew cultivar with two levels (T. parthenium Linn. cv. Jelitto and T. parthenium Linn. cv. Pharmasaat), the second factor was foliar spray of spherical nano-carbon with 5 levels (0, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/L) and the third factor was considered as foliar spray of salicylic acid with two levels (0 and 0.2 mM).Results: The results showed that the cultivars, different concentrations of spherical nanocarbon, salicylic acid and their interactions had a significant effect on some of the studied traits.Two cultivars in the content of chlorophylla and b and parthenolide showed significant differences at P<0.01. Also, the effect of spherical nano-carbon and salicylic acid concentrations on parethenolide content of extract was significant (P<0.01). However, the highest content of parthenolide (24.22 mg/0.1 g dry matter) was observed in pharmasaat and at the concentration of 500 mg/L spherical nano-carbon without salicylic acid application.Conclusion: Application of spherical nano-carbon at concentration of 500 mg/L along with 0.2 mM salicylic acid improved physiological traits and metabolic content of both cultivars.

Background: The composition of the planting beds and its microorganisms has a very important role on the establishment, growth and phytochemical performance of medicinal plants.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different planting beds and inoculation of mycorrhizal fungus on the changes of stevioside, rebaudioside, and morph physiological traits of stevia.Methods: This study was conducted in a factorial experiment based on randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with 10 treatments and 4 replications. The first factor consisted of inoculum and non-inoculum treatment of Glomus intraradices, and the second factor was the different combination of peat moss, coco peat, perlite and soil as planting beds.Results: Mycorrhizal fungi inoculation significantly increased the plant height, number of lateral branches, stem and root diameter, number of leaves, leaf fresh/dry weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and content of stevioside, rebaudioside A and C. Also, different combination of planting beds had a significant effect on the plant height, stem dry/fresh weight, leaf fresh weight, root dry/fresh weight, and content of stevioside, rebaudioside A and C.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the combination of peat moss+coco peat+ soil (2: 1: 1) with mycorrhizal fungi inoculation among the treatments had the highest positive effect on leaf dry weight and glycoside carbohydrates in stevia plants.

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common functional disorders of the digestive tract which causes a lot of problems for patients. Medicinal plants may decrease symptoms and improve patients` life.Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of ginger on the symptoms of IBS.Methods: In this triple blind clinical trial, 64 patients with irritable bowel syndrome referring to Kowsar clinic of Arak city were selected purposively and randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control. First, Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) was completed by all patients. Then the intervention group, received one gram of ginger daily and the control group placebo for 4 weeks. At the end of this period, the GSRS was completed again by the patients and the obtained data were compared.Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the total score of gastrointestinal symptoms before intervention in the two groups (P=0.026). Therefore, to compare the mean score of the questionnaire after intervention in the two groups, the analysis of covariance was used with controlling the effect of confounding mean score of the pre-treatment questionnaire, which showed that the mean score of the post-treatment questionnaire was significantly different in the two groups (P=0.0001).Conclusion: Given the effect of ginger on improving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, using ginger in these patients is recommended to reduce symptoms.

Background: Fritillaria imperialis is an endangered species with pharmaceutical alkaloids that can be effective in reducing blood pressure and reducing cardiac palpitations.Objective: Comparison of head space solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and hydrodistillation (HD) techniques in determination of essential oils in Fritillaria imperialis Methods: Quality and quantity determination of components of extracted essential oils from aerial parts of Fritillaria imperialis by Head space-Solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and hydro-distillation (HD) techniques using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spctroscopy (GC-MS) method.Results: 24 components (86.61%) were identified in the oil was isolated by hydrodistillation.The major components of oil of F.imperialis were a-Bisabolol oxide A (28.2%), Camphor (12.86%), Chamazulene (11.8%), Trans-Thujone (10.9%), a-Bisabolone oxide A (10.3%), d-3-Carene (6.9%) and a-Pinene (5.65%).21 components (94.93%) were characterized in the oil which was obtained by Head space-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME). The major components of the oil were a-Bisabolol oxide A (35.2%), Camphor (9.54%), Chamazulene (18.3%), Trans-Thujone (7.89%), a-Bisabolone oxide A (11.8%), d-3-Carene (6.5%) and a-Pinene (5.7%).Conclusion: In both methods (HD & HS-SPME), oxygenated sesquiterpenes were the main components of the oil, whereas hydrocarbon sesquiterpens were trace.

Background: Nowadays treatment and control of pain is still one of problematic cases and syntetic analgesic drugs have several side effects.Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the ant nociceptive effects and phytochemical analysis of Ferula persica with respect to side effects of chemical drugs.Methods: The extract of plant inflorescence was prepared by percolation method. HPLC was used for phytochemical studies. In order to nociception test, male mice were used in acetic acid, immersion and formalin test. Mice were divided into experimental, control and positive control groups (receiving morphine) in each test.Results: In phytochemical analysis, four flavonoids consist of Quercetin, Luteolin, Apigenin and Rutin were identified. In all 3 pain tests, the experimental group had a significant difference with control group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference with morphine group (P>0.05).Conclusion: Methanolic extract of Ferula persica has antinociceptive effects, probably due to its sesquiterpenes and flavonoids.

Background: Visfatin is protein with insulin-like function that is expressed in high levels in visceral fat tissue and its circulating levels is associated with obesity and diabetes.Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 10 weeks of rhythmic aerobic exercise and green tea supplementation on visfatin levels and insulin resistance in obese type II diabetic women.Methods: 46 obese diabetic women (BMI>30) 45 -60 years old were selected and randomly assigned into four groups of green tea (n=12), aerobics+green tea (n=12), aerobics (n=12) and control (n=10) groups. Subjects in green tea supplementation group received 1500 mg capsules containing green tea extract daily for 10 weeks. Also exercises were performed three sessions a week in a ten week period. The analysis of variance with Tukey test and dependent t-test were used to within and between groups analysis.Results: The results showed that visfatin have significant difference between groups (P=0.001) however, there was no significant difference between interventions. Also, there was no significant differences between interventions for HOMA, insulin and glucose.Conclusion: Although there are no significant differences between interventions, significant reduction of visfatin after aerobic exercise and consumption of green tea may be due to improvements in glycemic index and weight loss and the HOMA index. Therefore, it seems that supplementation with green tea along with aerobic exercise may influence weight control and improved glycemic index in type II diabetic patients.

Background: Pain is caused by acute or potential tissue damage. Anxiety disorders are common psychiatric disorders in humans that are experienced in threatening situations. Herbal drugs have fewer side effects than chemical drugs.Objective: Evoulution of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Dodoneae viscosa on Pain and Anxiety in Male Rats.Methods: in this study 35 Wister male rats randomly divided in to 5 groups: 1) control group, 2) sham group that received normal saline, 3-5) groups received 100, 200, 400 mg/kg extract for 10 days by gavages respectively. Pain was tested by formalin test. Anxiety was tested by open filed. Results Dotoneae viscosa extract had a dose-dependent anti-nociceptive effect on chronic pains caused by the formalin injection (P<0.001). Also check anti-anxiety effects in open box test indicated significant difference in dose of 100, 200 mg/kg extract (effective dose) in Number of passages from the central lines (P<0.001), (P<0.01), Time spend in central line (P<0.001), starch (P<0.001), Grooming (P<0.01), (P<0.05).400mg/kg had no effect.Results: According to the presented data, the concentration and amount of silymarin in different extracts was compared. The extract obtained from ground seeds with methanol was able to reach the most amount of silymarin while the highest concentration of silymarin was obtained from the extract of ground pericarp with ethanol 80%.Conclusion: The results indicated that Dodoneae viscosa extract as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent is effective in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and relieving long-term pain such as opioid drugs.

Background: Fenugreek and Fennel seed has galactogogues properties due to phytoestrogen structure and can increase the volume of breast milk.Objective: The aim of this study was to comparison the effect of herbals teas containing Fenugreek seed and Fennel seed on the sign 189 s of breast milk sufficiency in girl infants with 0-4 months of age.Methods: This study was a triple blind clinical trial with placebo group.117 mothers with 0-4 month’s girl infants randomly were placed in one of the three groups: herbal tea containing Fenugreek seed powder, herbal tea containing Fennel seed powder and placebo group. Before and during 4 weeks of study, the signs of breast milk sufficiency were evaluated through measurement of weight, height and head circumference and follow-up forms for measuring the number of wet diapers in a day, Frequency of defecation and infant breastfeeding times.Results: Before and after the intervention there was no significant difference in the signs of breast milk sufficiency between Fenugreek and Fennel groups. While before the intervention there was no significant difference in signs of breast milk sufficiency between three groups (P>0.05), but the number of breastfeeding times of placebo group was more than interventions groups (P<0.001). At the end of fourth week repeated measures analysis showed, Fenugreek and Fennel significantly improved the signs of breast milk sufficiency compared with the placebo group (P<0.001). But the height growth had no significant difference between the three groups (P=0.094).Conclusion: Herbals teas of Fenugreek seed and Fennel seed in comparison to placebo group improves the signs of breast milk sufficiency.