RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOGNOSY
Year:2020 | Volume:7 | Issue:3|Papers Count:10

Background and objectives: TLR2, TLR4, and Dectin-1 (Clec7) are pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) expressed by intestinal epithelia cells and MYD88 is a signaling molecule of TLR2 and TLR4. They warn immune system about the presence of invading pathogens promoting initiation of inflammatory response. Because of colonic cancer risk, therapy of intestinal inflammation is of high importance. Natural products are suitable candidates among which Kombucha tea has shown healing effect on mice model of colitis. Methods: Filtered Kombucha tea was prepared from black tea and sucrose plus tea fungus and previously fermented Kombucha tea. The collection was fermented by incubation at 28 ° C for 14 days and filtered. Colitis was induced in young and old mice by administration of 3. 5% (w/v) dextran sodium sulfate in drinking water during 7 days; filtrated Kombucha tea was given orally to animals with colitis, at a dose volume of 10 mL/kg daily for 21 days. Dectin-1, f toll-like receptor (TLR)-2, 4, as PRRs, and MyD88, as PRR signaling molecule were measured and compared with the age-matched normal and colitis model. Results: Treatment with filtrated Kombucha tea significantly affected TLR2/TLR4 pathway and its downstream signaling molecules, MYD88 & dectin-1expression and subsequently inflammatory condition in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis. Conclusion: The results of the present study may indicate possible implication of Kombucha tea with TLRS which consequently produces the anti-colitis effects.

Background and objectives: Colchicum kurdicum (Bornm. ) Stef. is a flowering perennial monocotyledon plant that has many important bioactive compounds especially colchicine and colchicine derivatives. In this study, the ultrasound-assisted acidic-solvent extraction method coupled with response-surface method was presented as the successful method for large scale extraction of colchicine as an alkaloid compound. Moreover, Colchicum kurdicum was introduced as an important endemic plant for extraction of colchicine. Methods: According to the literatures, methanol/deionized water (70: 30) solvent system was selected for the extraction. In addition, the response-surface method was used for analysis and optimization of colchicine extraction by ultrasonic-assisted acidic-solvent extraction method. Subsequently, colchicine was extracted using this method and the effects of solvent pH, extraction time, solvent/plant ratio, power, and temperature were evaluated. Results: After all analysis procedures, 0. 99 mg colchicine/g dried corms was achieved with the following conditions: solvent pH 4, Extraction time 120 minutes, solvent/plant ratio 20 mL/g, power 100 W, and temperature 60 º C. Conclusion: According to this study, ultrasonic-assisted acidic-solvent extraction was found an effective method for extraction of colchicine from Colchicum kurdicum (Bornm. ) Stef. compared to other extraction methods

Background and objectives: In India, Argemone mexicana is traditionally used against fever, wounds, worms and malaria. In Mali the efficacy and safety of “ Sumafura Tiemoko Bengaly” an herbal tea based on A. mexicana aerial parts against malaria have been demonstrated. This study was aimed to investigate the pharmacognostic, physicochemical and phytochemical parameters of its aerial parts. Methods: Macroscopy, microscopy, chemo-microscopy, phytochemical, mineral and physicochemical analyses were performed using standard methods. Results: The macroscopy showed that A. mexicana is an herbal plant with prickly both on its greenish stem and the pinnatelobed leaves; the flower is terminal and yellow and the fruit is a capsule with thorns. The microscopy revealed the presence of epidermal cells with actinocytic stomata, calcium oxalate prism, lacticifers, palisade cells, vascular bundle, fibers and collenchyma cells in the fresh leaf and the dry aerial parts. The chemo-microscopy revealed the presence of lignins, tannins, starch, calcium oxalate, oils and proteins. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, sterols and triterpenoids. The physicochemical parameters as observed included moisture content (8. 2 %); total ash value (16. 7 %); acid-insoluble ash value (2. 9 %); water-soluble ash value (4. 8 %); ethanol-soluble extractive value (17. 2 %) and water-soluble extractive value (34. 3 %). Six minerals (Fe, Cu, Mn, Mg, Pb, and Cd) have been also measured. Conclusion: These parameters help to establish the correct identity of A. mexicana and check the occurrence of adulterations. Further, they are useful for the standardization and pharmacopoeia development.

Background and objectives: Asarum europaeum L. is an herbal medicine belonging to the family Aristolochiaceae. The rhizome of the plant has been used for the treatment of various diseases in complementary and alternative medicine of various countries. In Iranian traditional medicine (ITM), the aqueous extract of the rhizome has been used for the improvement and enhancement of memory. Methods: In the present study, the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts as well as different fractions of A. europaeum rhizome were evaluated for their cholinesterase (ChE), acetyl-and butyrylcholinesterase (AChE and BChE) inhibitory activity via modified Ellman's method. Results: The ethyl acetate fraction selectively showed the most suitable anti-AChE activity (IC50 = 99. 69 μ g/mL); none of the extracts or fractions demonstrated anti-BChE activity. In this regard, the ethyl acetate fraction was candidate for the investigation of further biological activities such as antioxidant activity, neuroprotectivity, and metal chelating ability related to Alzheimer’ s disease. It depicted favorable neuroprotectivity at concentration of 100 μ g/mL against the toxicity of exposure to H2O2 in PC12 cells (p 0. 001, cell viability = 80/60%) and chelating ability towards zinc, iron, and copper ions. The results of antioxidant activity by DPPH assay showed that the ethyl acetate fraction was much more potent than BHA as the reference drug. Conclusion: The ethyl acetate fraction of A. europaeum L. showed potent biological activities involved in Alzheimer’ s disease and needs complementary investigations to develop an herbal product against Alzheimer’ s disease.

Background and objectives: Positive role of saffron in human health promotion has been investigated in widespread researches. Anticancer property, neuroprotection, protection of cardiovascular system and several positive properties are reported for saffron customers. The aim of this study was assessment of saffron weakness against light damage in rat retina. Methods: Gene profiles of control samples (C group) and light damage (L) groups were extracted from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and compared with similar samples in the presence of saffron. The unprotected differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were evaluated via network analysis and pathway investigation. The critical genes which were not protected by saffron were identified and discussed. Results: Numbers of 67 DEGs were investigated via protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, pathway assessment, and action map investigation. Findings indicated that STAT1, JUN, FOS, and STAT3 were the crucial genes that were not protected by saffron against light damage in rat retina. Conclusion: It may be necessary that consumption of saffron require a suitable protocol to avoid from possible disadvantages; however, saffron is well known for its benefits in human nutrition.

Background and objectives: Sleep disorders are among the most common complaints in childhood. Considering the pitfalls regarding safety and efficacy of conventional treatments for sleep disorders in children and based on the Persian medicine literature and results of recent animal and clinical investigations, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of topical lettuce seed oil in these patients. Methods: The study was a double-blind randomized controlled trial in 3-6 years old children with sleep disorders. They were randomly assigned to receive either topical placebo oil and clonidine capsule or lettuce seed oil and placebo capsule for three weeks. Lettuce seed oil was prepared using cold press method. Persian version of “ BEARS” pediatric sleep questionnaire was used before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 20) and p<0. 05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: At the end of study, 67 patients out of 72 completed the study. Similar to control group, children in intervention group significantly improved regarding bedtime issues (p<0. 001), excessive daytime sleepiness (p=0. 003), night awakenings (p=0. 008), and problems in regularity and duration of sleep (p<0. 001); however, no significant change was observed regarding the snoring in both groups. Conclusions: Topical use of lettuce seed oil on forehead and temporal areas of children could be considered as a safe and effective treatment for sleep disorders. However, further studies with larger sample size, longer duration of follow-up, and with the use of objective outcome measures are warranted.

Background and objectives: Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (roselle) sepals, commonly known as bissap is prepared as a cold drink which is widely drunk in Ghana and across West-Africa for their medicinal and nutritional properties. The plant is known to have anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemic, anticancer, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. For such a widely sold and used medicinal plant, it is important that simple but reliable parameters can be used to estimate the quality. This will reduce adulteration, improve quality and hence safeguard the consumer. This study was to examine simple parameters that can be employed to estimate the quality of dried whole and powdered samples of H. sabdariffa that are widely sold on the open West-African market. Methods: The parameters investigated were macroscopic, microscopic, phytochemical, physicochemical, microbiological, and fluorescence characteristics. Heavy metal and HPLC analyses were also performed. Results: The sepals of H. sabdariffa were dark red, united sepals alongside valvate aestivation. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides. It exhibited unique fluorescent profiles in various reagents. HPLC fingerprint showed 7 peaks eluting within 1 and 5 minutes. Arsenic, lead, mercury, and chromium were not detected but cadmium was detected which was within acceptable limits. The aerobic bacteria and fungi count were also within acceptable limits. Conclusion: These parameters can be used to evaluate the quality of dried sepals of Hibiscus sabdariffa sold on the open market before they are used in the manufacturing of beverages and medicines.

Background and objectives: Allium elburzense is an endemic plant in north of Iran with some nutritional and medicinal applications; however, there is no data on its safety profile. This study was aimed to investigate cytotoxicity, acute and sub-acute toxicity of hydroalcoholic extract of A. elburzense bulb. Methods: Total phenolic content of the extract was measured using Folin-Ciocalteu method. For cytotoxicity assay, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used. In acute toxicity study, single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg was administered in female and male Wistar rats and they were monitored for two weeks. In sub-acute test, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day of extract were orally administered for four weeks. Results: Total phenolic content was estimated as 32. 8 ± 2. 5 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of the extract. The extract showed IC50 value of 366. 4 μ g/mL (95% CI = 246. 4-566. 1) in HUVECs after 24 h exposure. In acute study, there was no sign of toxicity and no mortality; however, significant increase in relative spleen weight and ALP activity and mild inflammation in kidney tissue were observed. LD50 ˃ 2000 mg/kg was estimated for A. elburzense bulb extract. In sub-acute assay, there were significant elevations in relative spleen weight, blood urea level, AST, ALT, ALP, total WBC, lymphocyte and neutrophil count and significant decrease in blood sugar and triglyceride levels at higher doses of the extract. Conclusion: Allium elburzense bulb extract may be considered as safe at doses lower than 500 mg/kg in rats; however, assessment of liver and kidney functions is recommended during chronic uses.

Background and objectives: Leishmaniasis is caused by the genus of Leishmania and is one of the important health problems worldwide. Serious side effects, the lack of effective vaccines and the emergence of drug resistance are the major weak points of leishmaniasis treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate leishmanicidal effects of Allium giganteum saponin rich fraction, natural compounds with history of antimicrobial properties, on promastigotes and axenic amastigotes of L. major and macrophages cell line J774. Methods: The chloroform-methanol (9: 1) extract of the flowers was fractionated by MPLC using an RP-18 column. The saponin-rich fraction was detected by TLC and H-NMR analyses and evaluated for leishmanicidal activity on L. major and macrophages cell line J774 using MTT assay at 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation. Results: At concentrations of 75, 100 and 150 μ g/mL, over the time of 24 to 72 h, a significant decrease in the live parasite's rate was observed (p <0. 05). At 200 μ g/mL concentration, all parasites were killed and maximum leishmanicidal effect was observed. The IC50s for promastigotes and axenic amastigotes were 90. 01 ± 13. 42 μ g/mL and 29. 76± 17. 91 μ g/mL, respectively; the value for the J774 macrophage cell line was 33. 17± 4 μ g/mL. Conclusion: The results of this study showed the significant leishmanicidal effect of saponin rich fraction from Allium giganteum on promastigote and axenic amastigote of L. major and macrophage cell line in vitro. Complementary in vivo studies for evaluating the effects of the fraction on leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice is recommended.

Background and objectives: Curcumin as a medicinal substance has shown effective in different kinds of diseases especially cancer. To understand its underlying mechanism, molecular complementary study of differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) could assist. In this view, regulatory network analysis of DEMs of melanoma cancer treated with curcumin versus the untreated male Mus musculus was investigated in this study. Methods: Data was obtained from the database of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), https: //www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/geo/. At first, the log fold change (FC)≥ 2 was assigned for predicting a cut off for DEMs in the following study. GEO2R detected a number of 250 top significantly changed microRNAs based on the priority of the most statistically significant ones. These miRNAs were then explored for regulatory network analysis via Cytoscape softwarev. 3. 7. 2 and its plug-ins. Results: The findings indicated that a number of 21 miRNAs were statistically significant with differential expression amounts. Regulatory network also identified important microRNAs of mmu-miR-199a, mmu-miR-199b, mmu-miR-21, mmu-miR-142-3p, mmu-miR-148a, mmu-miR-214 and genes of Pkp3, Usp19, Ercc4, Ttc25, Atp13a2, Akr1b7, Umod, Nup188, Imp3, and Tmem74b. The highest ranked hub was mmu-miR-199a, which had nine connections. Conclusion: The present study offers new insights into the molecular mechanism of curcumin health benefits in melanoma cancer.