Journal of Medicinal Plants
Year:2005 | Volume:4 | Issue:16|Papers Count:12

Hypericum perforatum L., also known St. Johns wort, is a herbaceous perennial belonging to Hypericaceae family that is a native of Western Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The importance of this plant as a phytopharmaceutical, especially for treatment of mild to- moderately severe depression, has significantly increased in the last few years. The major active constituents are considered to be Hypericin (a naphtodianthrone) and Hyperforin (a prenylated phloroglucinol), although other biologically active constituents eg. Flavoneids and tannins are also present. However, Hypericin is utilized as the key compound in measuring the quality of St.Johns wort and is typically used as the measure of extract potency, although recent studies indicated that hyperforin may be the antidepressive agent in St. Johns wort. However, St. Johns wort is one of the top- selling herbal products, which has an important place in world market.

Background: The genus Salvia, which belongs to the lamiaceae family, consist of about 700 to 900 spesies widespread throughout the word. In Iran, about 57 species are present, of which some are endemic. Plant belonging to this genus are pharmacologically active and have been used in folk medicine all around the word. Objective: The aim of the present study was to detect and compare the essential oils composition in leaves and flowers of two species of salvia collected from Borujerd. Method: Salvia syriaca and Salvia reuterana was collected in May 2004 from Borujerd, Lorestan province. The essential oil of the leaves and flowers from each plants obtained by hydrodistillation by Clevenger type apparatus was analyzed by GC/MS. Results: The major components in the essential oil of the S. reuterana Leaves were Beta Caryophyllene (13.14 %), Spathulenol (12.39 %), and in S. syrica were Spathulenol (18.63 %), Bornyl Acetate (10.49 %), Alpha cadinene (10.25 %) and Delta Elemen (7.91 %). The major components in the essential oil of the S. reuterana flowers were Beta Caryophyllene (15 %), Isospathulenol (7.73 %), Bornyl Acetate (5.85 %), Beta Elemene (5.98 %), and in S. syriaca were Spathulenol (21.39 %), Bornyl Acetate (9.57 %), Germacrene B (8.37 %), Alpha Pinene (6.12 %), Delta cadinene (5.75 %) and Delta Elemen (5.34 %). Conclusion: This study indicated that the components of the essential oils from the leaves and flowers were different. Some components in flowers were present in higher amounts than in leaves. The major components were Beta Caryophyllene, Spathulenol Germacrene B, Bornyl Acetate and Delta Elemene.

Background: Cymbopgon olivieri (Boiss.) Bor. with the common Persian names of kah-makki and Putar, an aromatic perennial grass of Iran, is distributed in tropical regions of south provinces of Iran. Objective: The aim of this study was evaluation of quantitative and qualitative differences in the essential oil composition of wild and cultivated samples of Cymbopgon olivieri. Method: Aerial parts and rhizomes of plant were collected in June 2003 from Siahoo (Hormozgan province). Rhizomes were cultivated in the field of Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University. Air-dried aerial parts of wild and cultivated samples were subjected to hydrodistillation. The obtained oils were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Results: In total 40 and 33 compounds were identified, representing 95% and 96.3% of the oils of natural and cultivated samples, respectively. The quantitative and qualitative oil components were compared. The main constituent of both samples was piperitone (48.9% and 56.7%) followed by α-terpinene (13.8% and 14.2%), limonene (6.3 % and 7.5 %) and elemol (3.7% and 4%).

Background: Free radicals especially reactive oxygen species are known as important factors, which by damage to biomolecules like DNA, proteins, membrane, enzymes and lipids produce pathological disorders. Lipid peroxidation of LDL particles and membranes of hepatocytes may be involved in the process of atherosclerosis and liver dysfunction respectively. Also non-enzymatic glycosylation of proteins is involved in the complication of diabetic patients. Due to oxidant/antioxidant imbalance, destructive effects of free radicals may appear over time. Objective: Therefore, an investigation about the antioxidant effects of some popular spices including curcuma longa and crocus sativus zeylanicum on three oxidative systems (LDL oxidation, oxidation of cell membranes of liver hepatocytes and non-enzymatic glycation of hemoglobin) was done. Method: Total extracts of the above-mentioned plants were obtained. Hepatocyte membranes of rat liver were selected as a sensitive system to peroxidation and in the vicinity of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH) (1.5mM) as an oxidant agent, the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured in the presence and absence of plant extract as a lipid peroxidation marker. Also released Alanine Aspartate Aminofransterase (AST) was measured as a cell membrane damage marker due to peroxidation. Glycosylation changes of hemoglobin and LDL oxidation were evaluated in the presence and absence of extracts. Results: The results showed that curcuma at a concentration of 10µg/ml inhibited MDA formation by 28.8% and AST released by 25.53%. Curcuma at a concentration of 1µg/ml inhibited hemoglobin glycosylation by 25.85%. It has a dose dependent effect at all concentration. Also the plant showed the most antioxidant effect on LDL oxidation at the concentration of 1µg/ml. Crocus at applied doses has no definite inhibitory effect on MDA and AST formation, (results not shown) but crocus has a minimal inhibitory effect on hemoglobin glycosylation and LDL oxidation. Conclusion: This study showed that curcuma at applied doses has an inhibitory effect on all three oxidative systems in mentioned diseases and probably would be important for prevention of atherosclerosis, diabetes and liver dysfunction. Crocus at the used concentration had not any effect on these oxidative systems.

Background: Dracocephalum polychaetum Bornm. (Lamiaceae) is one of the endemic species of Dracocephalum genus in Iran. There is no report on chemical composition of this species. This plants in Kerman folk medicines is known as Mofaroo and used for its pleasant odor, and for the releif of stomach pain. Objective: In this investigation volatile oil components and flavonoids of D. polychaetum was studied. Method: Dried and ground aerial part of D. polychaetum were subjected to hydro distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The oil was analyzed by GC-MS. Identification of compounds was based on a comparison of their mass spectra with standards and using retention indices and co injection. Methanolic extracts was chromatographed on Silica gel PTLC and two fraction separated. The structures of them were determined by UV spectra and 1H-NMR. Results: The aerial part of D. polychaetum yielded 1.3% of pale yellowish oil, which contained perilla aldehyde (69.60%) and limonene (16.55%). Two flavons apigenin and luteolin were isolated from this plant. Discussion: Chemical composition of other Dracocephalum species showed that essential oil and flavonoides are common in this genus and yields of oil of D. polychaetum is higher than other members of this genus. Apigenin and luteolin here been found in some Dracocephalum species.

Background: Tajetes minuta L. is a native plant of southern America. This plant was distributed from the native region to the other parts of the world. T.minuta L. is being used for its insects repellency effect and as a food additive by native people especially in southern America and eastern Africa. There are some reports on this plant but not about its larvicide effect. Materials and methods: In the present study hexane extract of the plant was prepared using maceration method. Solvent was evaporated in vacu. The hexane extract was analyzed by GC/MS. Also larvicidal effect of this extract was evaluated against Anopheles stephensi larvaes.Results: The yield of volatile oil using hexane as extraction solvent was 2.6%. Sixteen compounds comprising 93.4% of total extract were identified. The main component was cis -β -Ocimene (46.39%). The effectiveness of different concentrations of this extract was evaluated against 4th instar larvae of Anopheles stephensi. Results showed that LC50 and LC90 values of volatile oil of T.minuta L. are 3.16 and 11.92 mg/l respectively.Conclusion: Recovery of hexane extract is higher than steam distillation related to total oil and major component (cis -β-Ocimene) concentration. LC50 and LC90 of hexane extract against larvae were higher than oil prepared with steam distillation method.

ackground: The growing interest in substitution of chemical food preservatives, both antimicrobials and antioxidants, by natural ones has fostered research on the vegetable sources and screening of plant extracts and essential oils in order to identify acceptable natural alternatives. In order to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of different essential oils on food-borne pathogens and/or food spoilage microorganisms, first we should study them in laboratory models and then in foods. Objective: In this study Log probability percentage of growth (Log P%) of Bacillus cereus in Brain Heart Infusion broth as affected by different concentrations of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil (0.0, 0.005, 0.015, 0.03 and 0.045%) during 43 days of storage at three different temperatures (30, 20 and 10?C) was investigated. Result: The Log P% of B. cereus was affected significantly (p < 0.05) by different concentrations of the essential oil, storage temperatures and combined effects of them. The maximum Log P% of B. cereus (and the day to reach the maximum probability of growth) in BHI broth with 0% essential oil at 30, 20 and 10?C were 1.46 (1), 1.46 (3) and 0.15 (28), respectively. While in BHI broth with 0.005, 0.015, 0.03 and 0.045% essential oils were 1.46 (1), -1.4693 and -3.54 (22); 1.46 (1), 1.46 (10) and -3.85 (25); 1.46 (16), 1.46 (16) and -4.45 (>43) and 0.15 (13), -1.85 (7) and -4.54 (>43), respectively. Conclusion: According to our results the Log P% of B. cereus was significantly decreased (P<0.05) by little increase of essential oil concentrations in this study. This inhibitory effect of the essential oil was also significantly increased (P<0.05), when the temperature decreased and we did not observe any growth (Log P% = -4.54) in broth with 0.03 and 0.045% essential oil during 43 days storage at 10?C.

Background: Vitex agnus - castus is a well known plant in herbal medicine from centuries ago. In Iranian traditional medicine its leaves and fruits are used for increasing milk. Objective: In present research the effects of Vitex agnus - castus leaf and fruit flavonidal extract on serum concentration of prolactin hormone has been investigated. Method: Selective deosages of Vitex agnus - castus were orally administrated to female rats during proestrus stage of estrus cycle and lactation.In the control group of rats distilled water was adminstrated instead of Vitex agnus - castus extract. At each stage (procestrus, and 3rd day of lactation) the animal was anaesthetized by inhalation of ether and fresh blood sample was taken from its heart. The serum was separated by centrifugation. Serum prolactin hormone was measured by RIA (Radio Immuno Assay) method. The data were analysed by ANOVA, MANOVA and LSD test at p < 0.05. Results: Oral administration of 70 mg/kg/day of Vitex agnus - castus extract in lactation stages, significantly increased serum prolactin, compared with the control group of rats. The effect of Vitex agnus - castus extract on the diffrence of sampling weight and starting weight (before administration) was not significant in comparison to the control group rats. Conclusion: It is concluded that results obtained in this research may confirm the use, in tradional Iranian medicine, of this plant, for increased milk Production.

Background: 7 species of the annual plants of genus Fumaria, grow in Iran. Fumaria officinalis is the medicinal species, which is used as a cholagogue. F. officinalis is not found in Iran but F. parviflora is used instead, in folk medicine. It is thought to be a expectorant, diuretic, diaphoretic, gastric tonic, blood purifier, bitter tonic, laxative, intoxicant, astringent, sedative and has favorable effects on skin complaints. Objective: The aim of this study was quantitative determination of the effective component (fumaric acid) of Fumaria parviflora Lam. Methods: Medicinal parts of F. parviflora are aerial parts. The aerial parts of F. parviflora in the flowering stage were collected in July 2003 from Halejerd. Powdered plant was extracted with petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone and methanol using a soxhlet extractor. Fumaric acid content was analyzed by HPLC. Results: Fumaric acid content of the dried plant was determined to be about 0.93% w/w.