RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOGNOSY
Year:2020 | Volume:7 | Issue:1|Papers Count:10

Background and objectives: Cancer is a major health problem in the world. The aim of this study was to extract the flowers of Allium austroiranicum used by Iranian people as a condiment or for its medicinal effects followed by bioassay guided fractionation of the extracts and fractions, using anti-proliferative effects against ovarian and cervical cancer cells. Methods: The air-dried flowers of Allium austroiranicum were extracted in a four-step extraction method, resulting hexan, chloroform, chloroform: methanol (9: 1), butanol and aqueous extracts. Anti-proliferative effects of the extracts were evaluated by MTT assay against OVCAR-3, HeLa, and HUVEC cell lines. The most potent cytotoxic extract was then subjected to fractionation by MPLC method on a RP-18 silicagel column. Finally, the cytotoxic effects of resulted fractions were analyzed again and the most potent cytotoxic fraction and its IC50 were determined. Results: Statistical analysis showed that butanol extract of A. austroiranicum showed the most potent cytotoxic effects against OVCAR-3, HeLa and HUVEC cell lines with IC50 values of 38± 2, 56± 1. 4, and 60± 3. 5 μ g/mL, respectively. On the other hand, for 7 fractions resulting from fractionation of the butanol extract, MTT assay results showed that 6th fraction (F) was the most cytotoxic fraction with IC50 of 2. 7± 0. 26 and 7. 5± 0. 5 μ g/mL for OVCAR-3 and HeLa cancer cell lines, respectively. Primary evaluation of the fraction by TLC and NMR analysis suggested the steroidal saponins as the main constituents. Conclusion: Allium austroiranicum showed significant cytotoxic effects against ovarian cancer cell line especially fractions assumed to contain steroidal saponins. The fraction constituents have the potential of being strong cytotoxic agents and the isolation and identification of compounds are suggested.

Background and objectives: The bark of Alstonia boonei, known as stool wood, is sold in large quantities on the Ghanaian market. It is used for the treatment of numerous ailments including snake bites, worm infestation, malaria and rheumatic pains. For safety reasons, it is necessary to control the raw materials by setting simple but relevant parameters to ensure identity, purity and quality which have been the aim of the present study to authenticate the plant materials. Methods: The macroscopic, microscopic, physico-chemical, phytochemical, UV-visible, fluorescence, HPLC and elemental characteristics were evaluated. Mutagenicity was also investigated with the Ames test. Results: The leaf characteristics can be employed to preliminary confirm the identity of the plant. The greyish-green outer bark and inner cream bark is rough, short and splintery with a bitter taste. The powdered stem bark showed microscopic prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, scalariform xylem vessels and lignified brachysclereids. Phytochemicals present were alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides and terpenes. The bark fluoresced reddish-brown in 50 %v/v H2SO4 under UV light of λ 254 nm and contained traces of Cd, Fe, Zn and As, which were within recommended limits. HPLC fingerprint showed peaks at 254 nm, and UV analysis in various solvents showed spectral shifts on ionization. A. boonei demonstrated mutagenicity in Ames test. Conclusion: The characteristic macroscopic, microscopic, physico-chemical and chemical parameters evaluated for the plant sample can be used in rapid identification, authentication and establishment of the quality of raw materials. This will improve the quality and hence efficacy. The mutagenicity suggests the need for further safety evaluation.

Background and objectives: Ziziphora tenuior is considered as an appropriate protoscolicidal agent yet the mechanism of such effect is not known so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the apoptotic effect of Z. tenuior extract on protoscolices of hydatid cyst. Methods: Protoscolices were collected aseptically and the Bradford test was employed to determine the number required for the experiments. Various concentrations of Z. tenuior extract (5, 50, and 100 mg/mL) was incubated with hydatid cyst protoscolices at 37 oC and 5% Co2 for 4 h. The apoptotic effect of Z. tenuior extract on hydatid cyst protoscolices and the evaluation of caspases 3, 8, and 9 activities were ditermined using ELISA-based commercial diagnostic kits. Results: In the present study, 50 and 100 mg/mL of Z. tenuior extract produced apoptosis in the protoscolices of hydatid cyst significantly (p<0. 05). Also, the activity of caspase 3 at 50 and 100 mg/mL significantly increased by 29. 99% and 36. 01%, respectively (p<0. 05). Similarly, caspase 9 also demonstrated a significant increased activity up to 15. 23%, and 45. 31% at the same concentrations used for caspase 3, respectively (p<0. 05). Conclusion: Our findings in this study indicated that, Z. tenuior extract can induce apoptotic cell death on hydatid cyst protoscolices by increasing the activity of caspases 3 and 9 via the internal apoptotic pathway.

Background and objectives: Ecballium elaterium (L. ) A. Rich (squirting cucumber) has been used traditionally as a remedy for different disorders such as fever, sinusitis, and rheumatic disease. In the present study, antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of leaves and fruits were evaluated. Also, total flavonoid and phenolic contents were measured were measured. Methods: The fruits and leaves of E. elaterium were extracted by percolation method with methanol. The antioxidant activity was assessed by 2, 2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods. Then, the total phenolics and flavonoids contents were measured. The cytotoxicity was tested against three cancerous cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-468 and MKN-45) and a normal cell line (HDF). Antibacterial activity was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Results: The total phenolics content of leaves and fruits were 39. 97 and 30. 90 mg gallic acid equivalents/g of dry extract, respectively. Also, the total flavonoids content in leaf extract was 49. 17 mg quercetin as equivalents/g of dry extract while flavonoids were not detected in the fruit extract. In the DPPH assay, the IC50 values were 1. 15 and 1. 18 mg/mL for leaves and fruits, respectively. The fruit extract showed the most considerable antibacterial activity (MIC 37. 5 mg/mL) against P. aeruginosa. Both extracts indicated cytotoxicity on MDA-MB-468 cells (IC50 264 and 50 μ g/mL, respectively). Conclusion: The antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxicity of extracts may be due to some secondary metabolites like phenolic compounds and flavonoids. This study suggests that this plant could be considered for further investigations as a natural source of biological compounds.

Background and objectives: Diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder with severe effects on quality of life. Decreasing serum glucose levels and normalization of kidney parameters is of great clinical importance for treating diabetes. Urtica dioica L. has been used in as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fungal, and antibacterial agent. To our knowledge, there are little evidences about the anti-diabetic and nephroprotective actions of U. dioica L. The present study was carried out to assess the anti-diabetic and nephroprotective activities of U. dioica aqueous extract (UDAE) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic mice for 20 days. Methods: Male mice were divided into six groups: normal control, untreated diabetic, diabetic mice receiving 30, 90 and 270 mg/kg of plant extract (groups UDAE30, UDAE90 and UDAE270, respectively) or 30 mg/kg glibenclamide. At 20th day, the mice killed, dissected, then blood and kidney samples were collected for biochemical and histological parameters analysis. Results: Biochemically, U. dioica aqueous extract at all doses and glibenclamide could significantly (p≤ 0. 05) reduce the raised levels of blood glucose, urea and creatinine when compared to the untreated group. Histologically, different doses of U. dioica aqueous extract (especially UDAE270) and glibenclamide could significantly (p≤ 0. 05) decrease the volume and length of the renal structures as compared to the untreated group. Conclusion: These results indicated U. dioica aqueous extract could improve diabetic related metabolic derangement such as hyperglycemia and elevated kidney markers.

Background and objectives: Giardiasis and amoebiasis are two common diseases in human societies which make increasing problems for the health managing systems. In the present study, the antiparasitic activity of Allium sativum, Artemisia sieberi, Zatraria multiflora, Chenopodium botrys and Eucalyptus globulus essential oils on Giardia lamblia cysts and Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites were investigated in vitro. Methods: Giardia lamblia cysts and E. histolytica trophozoites were isolated from infected sample stools. The parasites were treated by four concentrations (0. 2, 0. 1, 0. 01 and 0. 001 μ g/mL) of essential oils, separately for 30 min at 37 ° C. Results: The essential oils at the concentration of 0. 1 and 0. 2 μ g/mL indicated appreciate parasiticidal effect (p<0. 05). Eucalyptus globulus had maximum efficacy on both G. lamblia and E. histolytica with mortality rates of 79. 7% and 87. 6% within 30 min. Conclusion: All essential oils showed potent anti-giardiasis and anti-amoebiasis activity. Also, E. globulus with the highest efficiency could be considered as anti-protozoa medication to use an adjunct or primary therapy.

Background and objectives: Oligo-amenorrhea is one of the most common symptoms in poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients and Nigella sativa is a medicinal plant used in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of oligo-amenorrhea. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of N. sativa oil on oligo-amenorrhea in patients with PCOS. Methods: This study was a double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted on 84 PCOS patients with oligo-amenorrhea. Patients were randomly assigned to intervention and placebo group. They used two soft gel capsules of N. sativa oil (500 mg, each capsule) or placebo at night for sixteen weeks. Four indices were used to assess menstruation; the interval between menstruations, duration of menstruation, the occurrence of menstruation and the severity of bleeding. The two groups were compared using analysis of covariance. Result: Fifty five patients completed the study (32 patients in N. sativa group and 23 patients in placebo group). The menstrual interval after the study in the intervention group (45 days, 95% CI) was significantly lower than the control group (86 days). The frequency of menstrual cycle in the intervention group (0. 79) was significantly higher than the placebo group (0. 48). No serious complication was reported in this clinical trial. Conclusion: findings suggest that N. sativa is an alternative treatment and could be useful for menstrual irregularities in women with PCOS. Further studies are recommended to find the exact mechanisms of N. sativa and its different derivatives.

Background and objectives: Centaurea bruguierana subsp. belangeriana (DC. ) Bornm. is an annual herb widely distributed in the world. It is used in folk medicine of Iran as an anti-ulcer for gastrointestinal problems. Previous studies have revealed the anti-ulcer effects of the plant extract and in the present study the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of different fractions, isolated from C. bruguierana subsp. belangeriana was evaluated. Urease and motility inhibition activity were also examined for determination of possible mechanisms. Method: Ethanol 80% was used for the extraction. Chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol fractions of the total extract were obtained by solid-liquid extraction. All extracts were evaluated against jack bean urease, bacterial swarming and Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) were determined using the agar diffusion method. Bio-guided fractionation was performed by isolation and purification of compounds from active fractions using silica-gel open column chromatography by column and thin layer chromatographic methods and identification by spectroscopic data. Results: Total extract and chloroform fraction possessed the highest anti-H. pylori activity with MIC 325 300 μ g/mL and, respectively. The total extract was the most potent urease inhibitor (IC50 250 μ g/mL). The motility test confirmed the results by inhibiting swarming at concentrations comparable with IC50. The separation and purification of effective compounds of the chloroform extract was performed according to the results; Lupeol (1), Retusin (2), and Apigenin (3) were isolated and identified. Conclusion: Our research demonstrated a noticeable anti-H. pylori activity of different fractions from C. bruguierana subsp. belangeriana especially the nonpolar fraction.

Due to an interaction between gall wasp Andricus sternlichti Bellido and Quercus infectoria G. Olivier from Fagaceae, the oak galls with a wide range of industrial and pharmaceutical applications are produced. Quercus infectoria galls have been well-known by both ethnopharmacology and traditional medicine of Iran. The aim of current study was a comprehensive collection of Persian scholars' notions and recent findings about medicinal effects of this gall. Sixteen traditional manuscripts of one millennium were sought by two keywords (“ Afs” and “ Mazu” . Arabic and Persian names of Quercus gall, respectively), and relevant articles till October 2018 were reviewed. In traditional manuscripts, three main dosage forms from gall including decoction, powder, and poultice were found. They had been prescribed for about of thirty disorders. Except for one clinical trial, other articles described related to animal studies and antimicrobial effect evaluation. Since Quercus infectoria gall as an endemic natural product of Iran is a valuable source for export, ethnic usages and pharmaceutical applications, the outcomes of this study can be beneficial for researchers involved in development of natural medications.

Low-back pain is a common disease and a considerable economic burden in modern societies. Complementary and alternative therapies for assisting management of pain and disability are sought by a large number of patients. In the present work, the most common herbs used to manage Low-back pain in Iranian traditional medicine (Persian medicine) and current literature has been investigated. Chapters about low-back pain (“ Vaja-e Zahr” ), and radiculopathy (“ Erghonnasa” ) and sciatica from Liber Continens (Alhavi) and Canon of Medicine were reviewed. All types of plant usage mentioned in the books including oral, rectal, and topical administration, either alone or in combination were recorded. Descriptive statistics (frequency distributions) were used to report the findings. The current literature were searched with “ herbal medicine” and “ low-back pain” medical subject heading (MeSH) terms in PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Scientific Information Database (in Persian), and Google Scholar databases, to investigate medicinal usage of the most suggested plants. Citrullus colocynthis L. Schrad was the most common plant that Rhazes used in compounds and a significant herb used by Avicenna for management of low-back pain and sciatica. Fruit was the main part and rectal route was the main type of administration of colocynth for low-back pain management. In conclusion, we have proposed a new use of Citrullus colocynthis for management of low-back pain and sciatica according to the evidences from Persian medicine. According to current literature survey, no study has yet investigated or suggested the usage of Citrullus colocynthis for low-back pain management. Further laboratory and clinical studies are required to confirm the safety and efficacy of this plant or its components in low-back pain and sciatica management.