Journal of Medicinal Plants
Year:2019 | Volume:18 | Issue:69 |Papers Count:23

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. ) is one of the most important, most consuming aromatic and medicinal plants and it is one of the most exportable items in Iran. The fennel has essential oil and seeds are the most important organ that produces essential oil, and the most important compound is anethole (50 to 75). The level and quality of essential oils of fennel are influenced by factors such as different stages of growth and environmental factors (temperature, soil, location, gradient, elevation, and harvest time). The essential oil of this plant is used in various pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and sanitary industries. The active ingredients of this plant are used in pharmacy for the treatment of cough, abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion in children and increase breast feeding of mothers.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita L. ) is native to Mediterranean region which cultivated for food, pharmaceutical, and perfumery uses in all over the world. The aerial part of peppermint contains essential oil, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and salicylic acid. Menthol is the most important constituents of peppermint oil which synthesized and accumulated in glandular trichomes on the leaf surface. Menthol creates a coolness sense in the mouth due to inhibition of the TRPM8 channel in the neurons. Clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated the peppermint effect on improving upper gastrointestinal disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, muscle spasm, and respiratory problems. It also has antioxidative, anticancer, anticoagulant, anti-allergic and anti-androgenic effects. Peppermint is a valuable herb in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries which needs further phytochemical and pharmacological studies. Therefore, this article reviews the anatomical, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of this plant.

Background: Many of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are associated with formation of the protein aggregates called amyloidal fibrils. Fibrillization of alpha-synuclein seems to be a key stage in the creation and progression of NDs and finding the compounds that inhibit the toxicity of alpha-synuclein aggregates seems to be one of the most attention subjects in the neurodegenerative studies. Objective: In this study, the effects of various extracts derived from the roots of S. pinnatifida, on the alpha-synuclein cytotoxicity were assayed. Methods: In this regard, the process of fibrillization was induced in alpha-synuclein and then formation of aggregates was verified using standard methods such as thioflavin T fluorescence assay and microscopic fluorescence images. Neurotoxicity of alpha-syncline fibrils on PC12 cells was examined by MTT and LDH methods. Results: Results showed that, after treatment with alpha-synuclein aggregates, the rate of cell death was evaluated significantly. In spite of the methanolic, hexane and ethyl acetate extracts, in the presence of dichloromethane and n. butanol extracts, the death of cells treated with alphasynuclein were inhibited significantly. Furthermore, it was found that dichloromethane and n. butanol extracts contained high amount of anti-oxidant flavonoids. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the extracts of S. pinnatifida, significantly inhibit the harmful effects of toxic alpha-synuclein aggregates and can be used to treat amyloid-related disorders. However, it is required more investigations on the kind of the effective compounds of S. pinnatifida extracts.

Background: Ferula species have shown wide range of pharmacological properties but there is no study on oral safety profile of Ferula persica due to standard toxicology guidelines. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the acute and subchronic oral toxicity of the alcoholic extract of the aerial parts of Ferula persica to provide its safe dose for long term oral administrations as a possible herbal remedy. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract from leaves and flowers was provided and standardized then acute and repeated dose oral toxicity tests were performed by OECD 423 and 407 guidelines. In the subchronic test, animals in each treatment group received hydroalcoholic extracts 1000 mg/kg/day. At the end of study mortality, weight changes, biochemical, hematological and histopathological studies were performed. Results: Acute toxicity test did not show any mortality and any sign of toxicity up to 2000 mg/kg in a 14 days study and in the repeated dose toxicity test, no sign of organ toxicity was detected in doses up to 1000 mg/kg during 28 days continuous study according to clinical, hematological, biochemical and histopathological evidences in liver, kidney, uterus, ovaries, heart, lung and spleen of animals. Conclusion: This study has revealed the safety of Ferula persica herbal extract in acute and subchronic oral administrations in doses up to 2000 and 1000 mg/kg respectively. We have defined the limit of oral long term exposure (No Observed Adverse Effects Level /NOAEL) in doses up to 1000 mg/kg which could suggest these aerial parts of Ferula persica as a new herbal remedy for future medical and nutritional purposes.

Background: Lavender is one type of medicinal plants which have long been used for different purposes. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of fragrances of Lavender on the Quality of Sleep, Mood, Team Cohesion and Performance of Women Volleyball Players. Methods: The participants in this study were 24 women volleyball players from Junior Clubs First Championship League, whom were selected by easy-access method and grouped into two Experimental and Control groups. The experimental group smelled lavender for 21 sessions and 20 minutes for each session. The control group used placebo in this period. Before and after the intervention, data were gathered using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire, Brunel Emotional Questionnaire, Carron, Widemeyer and Brawley, Team Cohesion Questionnaire, Volleyball Service Accuracy Test of AAHPERD and Sargent Jump. Results: Data were analyzed using co-variance. Findings showed that smelling lavender could have a positive effect on quality of the sleep, mood and group cohesion. However, it had no effect on the performance. Conclusion: Findings of the study show that the fragrance of Lavender could have an integral effect on improving quality level of the sleep, mood and group cohesion of sports team athletes.

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: Osteoarthritis is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignant diseases in the world and was previously recognized as a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage deformity and the formation of new bones at the edges of the joint. But this disease is not just a degenerative disease but also a biomechanical, biochemical, and cellular phenomenon. Common treatments include side effects such as peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver toxicity, and kidney complications. Therefore, we decided to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory effects of Ursolic acid, Active ingredient of Salvia officinalis L. (Salvia officinalis L. ) on the biomarkers that are important for osteoarthritis. Objective: In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of uric acid (derived from the herb of the sage) in cells that caused osteoarthritis. Methods: We first used THP-1 cells as a model similar to monocyte / macrophage cells and synoviocytes cells as a model similar to human cartilage cells. After treatment of the cells by LPS and inducing osteoarthritis, they were treated with Ursulic acid (Prepared by Sigma Company). DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) was used as a solvent and a negative control, and steroid and non steroid drugs were used as positive controls. Results: Ursolic acid at a concentration of 1 μ g / ml, Significantly reduces the level of expression of the pre-inflammatory cytokines including: (TNF-α ), (IL-1β ), (IL-18), (iNOS), (COX2), (iNOS). Conclusion: The results of this study show that the use of Ursolic Acid by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the model like osteoarthritis can lead to an improvement in the disease and, in this regard, recommends an in-vivo test.

Background: Achievement the new biocompatible wound dressing is one of the attractive areas of research. Objective: The present study attempts to examine the healing effects of the alginate-Persian mannaplant extract in the induced rat wounds. Methods: After culturing and detecting of the Pseudomonas aeroginosa strains by phenotyping and genotyping methods, the produced alginate was extracted and used for cell cytotoxicity assessment by MTT assay. 1. 5×1. 5 cm wounds were made on the tested rat skins. The animals were divided in 4 groups (n= 8). Three groups were equally treated for 21 days with nontoxic doses of alginate hydrogel, herb extract, and alginate hydrogel-herb extract, respectively. The forth group remained as the negative control. In different days after treatments 2 rats from each group were selected and the wound areas and the effects of each material were analyzed. Results: Alginate was extracted from P. aeruginosa strain K1. Results from the macroscopic examination showed that the wound contraction percentage in alginate hydrogel and alginate hydrogel-Persian mannaplant groups had significance difference with the rest other groups (P value < 0. 05). Microscopic examination showed that the best group was the one which was treated by alginate hydrogel-Persian mannaplant complex. Conclusion: Although both materials had a good ability to heal the wounds but microscopic examinations showed that the alginate hydrogel-Persian mannaplant complex had better activity in the wound site.

Background: Black henbane with the scientific name of Hyoscyamus niger which has a wide geographic distribution, is considered as one the most important species for tropane alkaloids extraction. Objective: In this research, morphological and tropane alkaloids variations were assessed within different population of H. niger in their natural habitats. Methods: Totally, 56 individuals were collected from 7 populations of 7 different provinces in Iran, and subsequently morphological and metabolic variations were performed. Alkaloid extraction was carried out using various solvent based on specific procedure. The isolated alkaloids were further characterized using gas chromatography apparatus to detect the type of alkaloids. Results: Results showed that the studied populations were significantly varied according to the all measured traits. The highest leaf dry weight, stem, shoot, whole plant and the number of leaf per plant was related to Guilan population. However, the highest (61. 29 cm) and the lowest (16. 96 cm) plant height, and maximum (16. 13) and minimum (5. 75) number of lateral branches were observed in Zanjan and Qom populations, respectively. The hyoscyamine content was varied ranging from 0. 1888 g/plant (in Zanjan population) to 0. 916 g/plant (in Qom population) with average of 0. 5 g/plant. The maximum and minimum ratio of scopolamine to hyoscyamine was obtained in Zanjan (1. 80) and Qom (0. 049) populations, respectively. Moreover, there was a significant and negative correlation (-0. 50**) between hyoscyamine content and plant height. Conclusion: In this research, results of cluster and biplot analyses confirmed a wide variability in morphological and metabolites traits between and within H. niger populations of different studied regions.

Background: The application of polyamines as a plant growth substance with effect on a wide range of plant growth and development processes include cell division, flowering, senescence delay, membrane stability, absorb active radicals and different stress tolerance and polyamines Function as a anti-senescence and anti-stress agents in the plant and on the other hand the competitiveness of their production with ethylene can be effected directly or indirectly on growth factors and the plant's metabolic. Objective: This study was directed to investigate the effect of foliar spraying of polyamines on morpho-physiological and phytochemical traits of Basil. Methods: This experiment were done as a randomized complete design with 10 treatments included spermine, spermidine and putresin in 3 level 50, 100 and 150 ppm in 3 replication. Pot without foliar spraying of polyamines Used as a control. Results: The results showed spraying with different levels of spermine, spermidine and putresin had a significant effect(P≤ 0. 01) on shoot and root fresh weight, shoot and root dry weight and amount of essential oil and also significant effect(P≤ 0. 05)on leaf total chlorophyll and vitamin C. Application spermidine 100ppm increased traits such as shoot and root fresh weight, shoot and root dry weight and amount of essential oil than control and putresin 100 ppm improved traits such as leaf total chlorophyll and vitamin C. Conclusion: Phytochemical and Morphophysiological traits in Basil (Ocimum basilicum L. ) plant increased with foliar spraying of different level of spermine, spermidine and putresin. As, spraying with spermidine and putresin 100 ppm improved all attributes traits compared to the control.

Background: Plant extracts and essential oils are commonly used in traditional and industrial doogh products to inhibit bacterial activities. Objective: In this study, the antibacterial effects of the essential oils of Olivera decumbens and Nepeta binaludensis against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in doogh were investigated. Methods: Essential oils of Olivera decumbens and Nepeta binaludensis were collected from Binalud and Pol-Dokhtar respectively and the essential oil of these species were extracted by the hydro-distillation method. Then, different concentrations of essential oils (12. 5, 50, 100 and 200 μ l mL-1) were added to doogh containing 104 Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. Finally, the bacteria were counted during 5 days of storage. Results: The results showed that, at the maximum duration of 5 days storage, the difference between the inhibitory activity of Oliveria decumbens and Nepeta binaludensis essential oils at concentrations of 50 and 100 μ l mL-1 respectively against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in comparison with control sample was significant (P < 0. 05). Moreover, it was observed that the antibacterial effect of Oliveria decumbens was higher than Nepeta binaludensis due to its more phenolic compounds. Conclusion: The results of the present study have shown that essential oils of Oliveria decumbens and Nepeta binaludensis have good inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in doogh. So they can be used as preservatives in traditional and industrial doogh products.

Background: Respiratory function is very important for athletes and can have an impact on physical performance. Inhaling aromatic essential oils can also improve physical performance by influencing pulmonary function. Objective: Hence, the current study has been done with the purpose of investigating the effect of Eucalyptus essence inhalation on pulmonary function during one bout of a submaximal exercise. Methods: In a semi experimental experiment which was done in the gym of Azad university of Karaj at the month of Khorad of the year 1394, 12 healthy and active girl students of physical education (with the age of 25-30, weight 48-80, 159-180 cm tall) were choosen. The processes of this study included the Eucalyptus essence and placebo inhalation. The effect of Eucalyptus inhaltion was invesigated on pulmonary function varaibles, blood pressure, leg muscle pain and the time to exhustion. Results: In the comparision of pretests with post tests, the Eucalyptus inhlation caused the significant difference in active pulmonary volumes and systolic blood pressure (P=0. 000) and distolic pressure (P=0. 000), and the placebo was effectless. In the comparision of eucalyptus with placebo no significant difference was found in systolic blood pressure (P=0. 139) but was found in the diastolic pressure (P=0. 000). The effect of eucalyptus was significant (P=0. 011) on the time to exhaust in comparision with the placebo. A significant difference was found between placebo and eucalyptus inhalation on the leg muscles pain level in 30 minutes and 24 hours after the activity (P=0. 002). Conclusion: It seems the Eucalyptus essence inhalation can have beneficial effects on pulmonary function, blood pressure reduction, increasing the time to exhust and mucels pain and cramps relief.

Background: Foot Fissure is one of the most common diseases of the foot. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of aloe vera gel and lanolin oil on the healing process of foot fissure in the Saveh city. Methods: In this interventional study that performed on 94 patients with foot fissure in both feet, the demographic information questionnaire, dry feet clinical assessment scale and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were used. The subjects in the first intervention group used the aloe vera gel, while the second intervention group used lanolin. The samples of the control group received placebo matched with the original medicine. Finally, the data were analyzed using statistical SPSS software, Ver. 23. Results: The analysis of data's indicated no significant differences between the three groups before the intervention regarding the feet dryness. But, two weeks after the intervention, the mean scores of dry feet in the intervention I group (Aloe vera) was obtained significantly lower than in the intervention II group (lanolin) (P = 0. 027). Also, the scores from visual analogue scale of the foot dryness showed no significant differences in the three groups before the intervention, while after the intervention, the mean visual analog score of the intervention I group was significantly (P = 0. 007) lower than in the intervention II group. Conclusion: The results of this study show a more favorable effect of aloe vera in comparison with lanolin in healing of dryness and foot cracking.

Background: Premenstrual syndrome is one the most common disorders of reproductive age and despite its high prevalence and its importance, the exact cause and the appropriate treatment for it are not well defined. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Nigella sativa seeds capsules on the severity of physical symptoms in People with Premenstrual Syndrome. Methods: Double blind randomized clinical trial study was performed on 84 students with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome residing in girls' dormitories in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in 1396. The subjects were divided randomly into two groups of 42 intervention and control groups. The intervention group received, oral capsule containing 500 mg of Nigella sativa seeds, three times a day from 7 days before the onset of menstrual bleeding to the first 3 days of menstrual bleeding for 2 cycles and the control group received placebo capsules in the same conditions. The severity of the symptoms was compared the end of the first and second months of the intervention with before intervention. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 23 and Chi-square, Fisher exact, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon. The significance level was considered as P <0. 05. Results: The mean of severity of physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome at the end of the first month in the Nigella sativa seeds group were 2. 83 ± 2. 01 and at the end of the second month were 3. 34 ± 1. 97 has decreased proportion before the intervention. The mean scores of intensity of physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in the intervention group at the end of the second month were significantly lower than the control group (P <0. 001). Conclusion: The Nigella sativa seeds Capsule is effective in decreasing the severity of physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Background: The genus Thymus is a perennial and aromatic plant and belongs to Lamiaceae family. The essential oils of these plants are used for the treatment of mouth and throat mucosal inflammation, catarrh and respiratory disorders and as antioxidant and antiseptic. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare chemical composition of the essential oils derived from aromatic waters of three thyme species cultivated in Semnan and to investigate the antioxidant properties of aromatic waters and the essential oils. These three species are used in manufacturing of thyme aromatic water in Iranian market. Methods: In this study, aerial parts of three cultivated species, Thymus vulgaris, Thymus daenensis and Thymus kotschyanus were collected from Semnan natural resources research field in Shahmirzad. At first, the aromatic waters of dried plants were extracted by water distillation method, and then the essential oils of the aromatic waters were isolated using pentane and analyzed by GC/MS. Then antioxidant activities of thyme waters and the derived essential oils were evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging method. Results: Thymol was the major component of the derived essential oils of two species Thymus vulgaris (38. 36 %) and Thymus daenensis (56. 82 %), while α-terpinyl acetate (31. 06 %) was the main ingredient of the essential oil of Thymus kotschyanus. The most antioxidant activity was observed in the essential oil and aromatic water of Thymus daenensis. Conclusion: Chemical composition of the essential oils derived from aromatic water of three thyme species used in manufacturing of thyme water in Iranian market were completely different and it can affect the effectiveness of aromatic thyme water.

Background: Melia indica and M. azedarach (Meliaceae) are widely used in traditional medicine. These species are considered as natural pesticides. Their major compound is azadirachtin (AZD) which is considered as the marker for quality control of these species. Objective: In the present investigation, AZD content of the leaves and fruits (comprising the whole fruit, peel, pulp and seeds) of M. indica and M. azedarach have been determined. Methods: The leaves and fruits of M. indica and M. azedarach were collected from Bandar Abbas and Gorgan, respectively and identified. The peel, pulp and seeds were separated from each other. One gram of each sample was extracted using methanol. AZD content of each extract was determined by HPLC with following condition: C18 column, mobile phase: acetonitrile: H2O (60: 40), flow rate: 1 mL/min, wave length: 227 nm and run time: 6 min. Results: The results revealed that the fruits of the species contained higher amounts of AZD compared to the leaves. Comparing the species, AZD content of M. indica fruits was about two folds in comparison with M. azedarach fruits; also, the content of AZD in the seeds of M. indica was more than peel and pulp of the plant fruits. AZD content was high in peel of M. azedarach and was trace in pulp and seeds of the plant fruits. Conclusion: It is concluded that M. azedarach peel could be suggested to be used regarding pesticide properties while it is better to use the whole fruits of M. indica for insecticidal effects.