Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products
Year:2024 | Volume:19 | Issue:2|Papers Count:12

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents the most prevalent form of dementia, characterized by memory loss, and is a complex, progressive neurodegenerative condition. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the impact of aerobic interval training (AIT) combined with Ginkgo biloba (GB) supplementation on passive avoidance memory function and the expression of the glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) gene in rats afflicted with AD. Methods: A total of forty-four male Wistar rats, each weighing approximately 250 ± 20 g, were maintained in a controlled environment at a specified temperature. Over 8 weeks (5 days per week), they underwent AIT and received GB supplements at a dosage of 100 mg/kg. The rats were randomly assigned into six groups: Healthy control (HC) with 7 rats, AD control (AC) with 8 rats, amyloid-β (Aβ) injection plus GB supplement (Aβ + GB) with 8 rats, Aβ injection plus GB supplement plus AIT (Aβ + GB + AIT) with 8 rats, Aβ injection plus AIT (Aβ + AIT) with 8 rats, and sham surgery (SS) with 5 rats. The shuttlebox apparatus was utilized to assess the effect of Aβ on passive avoidance memory and to confirm disease induction. GDNF gene expression was measured using the qRT-PCR method. Results: The study found significant improvements in passive avoidance memory in the Aβ + AIT and Aβ + GB + AIT groups compared to the AC group after 8 weeks of AIT and GB supplementation (P = 0. 02 and P = 0. 000, respectively). Long-term memory performance was notably enhanced in the Aβ + GB + AIT group (P = 0. 000). Additionally, GDNF expression significantly increased in the Aβ + GB + AIT and Aβ + GB groups in comparison to the AC group (P = 0. 000 and P = 0. 01, respectively). Conclusions: A synergistic effect of AIT and GB supplementation was observed, leading to an increase in GDNF gene expression and improvements in both passive avoidance memory and long-term memory in male rats with AD.

Background: Olive oil is one of the most essential components of the Mediterranean diet, obtained by mechanical extraction from the Olea europaea tree. Based on organoleptic properties (odor and taste) and the amount of free fatty acids, it is divided into three categories: Olive oil, virgin olive oil, and extra virgin olive oil. Due to the expensive production procedure of extra virgin olive oil, it is prone to adulteration with low-quality olive oils and other vegetable oils. Objectives: The current study focused on determining the authenticity of olive oil using near-infrared spectroscopy as a non-destructive method in conjunction with chemometrics. Methods: In this study, 100 samples of olive oils, comprising 34 domestic and 66 industrial olive oils, were purchased from the markets of Tehran and Roudbar. Common adulterants such as corn, canola, sunflower, and soybean oils were considered. Binary and ternary mixtures of olive oil with these vegetable oils were prepared and analyzed. Spectra were collected over the range of 12000 cm-1 to 4000 cm-1, and the data were preprocessed using SNV and Detrend before principal component analysis (PCA). Results: The results indicated that corn oil and canola oil were the dominant adulterants in the olive oil samples, likely due to their inexpensiveness and availability in Iran. Conclusions: Since multiple types of fraud were identified in the examined samples, it is recommended that future studies investigate other forms of fraud simultaneously. Additionally, the results demonstrated that principal component analysis could effectively categorize different samples with acceptable discrimination.

Background: Regarding the appropriate effect of probiotics in treating acute diarrhea and the high prevalence of non-bacterial acute diarrhea among children in the population. Objectives: The present study evaluates the effect of synbiotic drops in children with acute diarrhea, including the number of hospitalization days, daily excreted diarrhea volume, duration of diarrhea, and reduction in the number of excretions between the case and control groups. Methods: This was a prospective double-blinded and randomized-controlled clinical trial on children aged 6-24 months with non-bloody acute diarrhea were included. The reason for hospitalization was diarrhea. In the case group, the patients consume PediLact (Zisttakhmir, Tehran, Iran) drop (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri, and bifidobacterium infantis) 109 CFU and fructooligosaccharides. PediLact drop was used with milk or lukewarm food for five days along with other routine hospital cares. The number of hospitalization days, the daily excreted diarrhea, diarrhea duration, and decreasing numbers of excretion in patients were compared. Results: In the current study, 114 children were included. The duration of hospitalization was 3. 87 ± 0. 9 days in the synbiotic group and 4. 26 ± 0. 12 days in the placebo group (P-value = 0. 001). The time between the onset of diarrhea and recovery was significantly higher in the placebo group than in the synbiotic group (P = 0. 032). The number of evacuations was 1. 89 ± 0. 13 in the synbiotic group and 2. 52 ± 0. 18 in the placebo group (P = 0. 014).

Background: Respiratory distress ranks among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in premature infants, with intubation and mechanical ventilation being prominent aggressive treatments. Caffeine citrate, a widely used methylxanthine, treats apnea of prematurity in such infants. However, the efficacy of high caffeine doses remains contentious. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of maintenance doses of caffeine citrate in facilitating tracheal tube removal and reducing subsequent apnea episodes in premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. Methods: Conducted as a randomized clinical trial at Afzalipur Hospital in Kerman, Iran, in 2023, this study involved eighty neonates with gestational ages under 35 weeks. They were divided into two groups: One received an initial caffeine citrate dose of 20 mg/kg followed by a maintenance dose of 5 mg/kg per day until the infant exhibited no apnea for at least 7 days post-extubation, while the other group received a maintenance dose of 10 mg/kg. Variables such as gestational age, sex, weight, and Apgar scores at one and five minutes post-birth were analyzed. The study assessed the effectiveness of caffeine citrate doses in terms of tracheal tube removal and reduction in apnea incidents, with secondary outcomes including patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), feeding intolerance, and tachycardia. Due to data non-normality, non-parametric tests were utilized for mean comparisons and the chi-Square test for qualitative variables and relationships (P-value < 0. 05). Results: The findings revealed no significant differences in hospital stay duration, time until separation from the device, Apgar scores at one and five minutes post-birth, or the incidence of PDA, NEC, BPD, and feeding intolerance between the two groups. However, the incidence of tachycardia was notably higher in the group receiving the higher caffeine dose (P-value = 0. 026). Conclusions: While the incidence of tachycardia was significantly higher in infants receiving a maintenance dose of 10 mg/kg, there was no observed difference in the efficacy of the two caffeine doses. Therefore, a maintenance dose of 5 mg/kg of caffeine citrate emerges as a more favorable treatment option.

Background: The process of wound healing is a dynamic event that starts with inflammation, proliferation, and migration of various types of fibroblast cells and aims to restore the integrity and functionality of damaged tissue. One crucial signaling pathway involved in wound healing is the Wnt signaling pathway. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a cocktail consisting of L-carnosine, zinc sulfate, and B-complex vitamins on the modulation of the Wnt signaling pathway during wound healing. Methods: The optimal dosages of L-carnosine, zinc sulfate, and B-complex were used to prepare the cocktail. Then, the cocktail-mediated wound healing was measured through scratch assay on human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. Finally, the effects of the cocktail on the expression of SFRP1, SFRP2, SFRP4, MMP7, and RSPO2 genes involved in the Wnt signaling pathway were measured during the wound closure phenomenon by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results: The scratch assay demonstrated the wound-healing effects of the prepared cocktail on HDF cells. Additionally, the RT-qPCR results showed that the cocktail can activate the Wnt signaling pathway by down-regulating the expression of SFRP1, SFRP2, SFRP4, and MMP7 and up-regulating the expression of RSPO2. Conclusions: The data suggest that the L-carnosine, zinc sulfate, and B-complex vitamin cocktail exhibits wound healing properties by increasing fibroblast proliferation via the activation of the Wnt pathway.

Background: Previous studies have indicated that sodium cromolyn does not negatively affect steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Objective: This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of sodium cromolyn on carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and assess its impact on IL-6, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Methods: The carrageenan-induced paw edema model is widely used for studying inflammatory mechanisms and evaluating anti-inflammatory drugs. The test groups received intraperitoneal injections of sodium cromolyn at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg alongside a positive control group (indomethacin at 5 mg/kg) and a negative control group (which received the solvent, saline). Thirty minutes after drug administration, carrageenan (1% w/v) was injected into the right hind paws of the rats. Changes in paw volume were measured using a plethysmometer at 0. 5, 1, 2, and 3 hours post-carrageenan injection. Blood and paw tissue samples were collected three hours after carrageenan administration, and IL-6 levels were determined using the standard rat Interleukin-6 ELISA kit. Results: The plasma and tissue IL-6 levels in the group treated with cromolyn (25 mg/kg) were significantly higher than those in the positive control group (indomethacin 5 mg/kg). Sodium cromolyn at a dose of 25 mg/kg had a negligible effect on reducing paw edema and IL-6 levels in serum and paw tissues compared to indomethacin (5 mg/kg). The IL-6 levels in plasma and tissues for the group receiving 50 mg/kg of cromolyn were not significantly different from those in the indomethacin group (5 mg/kg). However, IL-6 levels in the group treated with 100 mg/kg of cromolyn were significantly lower than those in the indomethacin group. Among the groups treated with sodium cromolyn, the highest and lowest IL-6 levels were observed in the groups receiving 25 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of sodium cromolyn, respectively. The anti-inflammatory effects of sodium cromolyn at doses of 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg were analyzed, revealing that 25 mg/kg of cromolyn sodium was not significantly effective at any time point (P < 0. 05). Additionally, no significant differences (P < 0. 05) were observed between the 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg doses at any study hour. Sodium cromolyn at a 50 mg/kg dose was as effective as indomethacin (5 mg/kg) in significantly reducing paw edema. Conclusions: Sodium cromolyn, at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, effectively reduced paw edema and the concentration of serum and paw tissue IL-6 (P < 0. 05), demonstrating significant anti-inflammatory activity. Sodium cromolyn at a 50 mg/kg dose is recommended as the anti-inflammatory dose of this drug.

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon with no definitive cure, necessitates the exploration of innovative therapies. Herbal remedies combined with conventional drugs may offer complementary benefits, enhancing treatment outcomes. Objectives: This study investigates the therapeutic effects of Heracleum lasiopetalum Boiss in a rat model of acetic acid-induced UC. Methods: Forty-eight adult female Wistar rats were randomly allocated to six groups (n = 8 per group) for each of two experiments. UC was induced by intracolonic administration of 1 ml of 4% acetic acid for 10 minutes. In the treatment groups, female rats received an oral gavage of 5%, 10%, and 40% aqueous plant extract, sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg), and distilled water for 6 days, starting 3 days after acetic acid administration. The protective groups received substances via oral gavage from 7 days before to 3 days after acetic acid administration. The extent of mucosal ulcers, hyperemia, inflammation, and mucosal bleeding was evaluated based on the Gerald Classification System Score (Macroscopic). Pathological assessment was conducted on prepared slides using the modified Wallace method (Microscopic). Changes in body and colon weight, along with food and water intake, were examined. Results: Significant changes in food intake were observed in both the extract and positive control treatment groups, exhibiting a notable difference compared to the negative control group (P < 0. 05). Body weight changes experienced a significant increase in the positive control treatment group compared to the negative control group (P < 0. 05), while no significant difference was evident between the extract and negative control treatment groups (P > 0. 05). In terms of water and food intake, as well as weight changes, no significant differences were detected among the various protective groups (P > 0. 05). Both microscopic and macroscopic examinations revealed a substantial enhancement in the colon of the extract and positive control treatment groups compared to the negative control group (P < 0. 05), with no significant difference observed between the protective groups (P > 0. 05). Conclusions: Heracleum lasiopetalum extract demonstrates a dose-dependent reduction in colon hyperemia, mucosal ulceration, inflammation, and fibrosis. This highlights its potential as a supplementary treatment option for UC, emphasizing the need for further investigation.

Background: Honey produced by the Melipona beecheii bees has been highly prized in Mexico since pre-Hispanic times for its therapeutic properties, particularly in wound healing. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the in vivo wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effects of M. beecheii honey using an animal model. Methods: Honey samples were collected from the state of Yucatan, Mexico. Male albino mice were utilized to test the wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties of the honey, with pirfenidone (KitosCell®) and indomethacin (1 and 30 mg/mL) serving as positive controls, respectively. Results: From day one, enhancements in wound healing, granulation tissue formation, and continuous contraction of the wound edges were observed. In terms of anti-inflammatory activity, the honey dose was capable of reducing edema comparably to the control group receiving 1 mg/mL of indomethacin. However, differences were noted when compared to the 30 mg/mL indomethacin control group in three of the groups. Conclusions: It can be concluded that M. beecheii honey exhibits wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effects comparable to those of the positive controls used in this study. Therefore, it offers a viable alternative for the topical treatment of wounds.

Background: Sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) is a common mineral contaminant in drinking water in numerous parts of the world. It has been shown to have cardiovascular, metabolic, neuroendocrine, and urinary effects on the body. There is abundant scientific evidence that establishes a strong correlation between arsenic exposure and kidney-related disorders. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of citicoline against NaAsO2-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods: The groups included a control group, a group treated with NaAsO2 at a concentration of 50 ppm, a group treated with Cit at a dosage of 1000 mg/kg, and three groups of NaAsO2 (50 ppm) co-treated with Cit at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg, respectively. Results: Citicoline decreased the level of blood urea nitrogen (P < 0. 001), creatinine levels (P < 0. 001), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (P < 0. 001), nitric oxide (P < 0. 001), inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (P < 0. 001) and interleukin-6 (P < 0. 001 and P < 0. 001). Furthermore, Cit increased total thiol (P < 0. 001) and activity levels of catalase (P < 0. 05 and P < 0. 001), superoxide dismutase (P < 0. 01 and P < 0. 001), and glutathione peroxidase (P < 0. 001). Therefore, Cit reduced the harmful effects caused by the imbalance in oxidative and antioxidant systems and histopathological damage in NaAsO2-intoxicated mice, improving the damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusions: Our research shows that Cit can protect the kidneys against the damaging effects of NaAsO2 by using its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Background: The hydatid cyst (cystic echinococcosis) is the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, which accounts for significant zoonotic infections worldwide. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of the essential oil derived from Thymbra spicata L. (TSEO) against protoscoleces (PSCs) and hydatid cysts of E. granulosus. Methods: The components of TSEO were characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The in vitro effects of TSEO on PSCs were determined using the eosin exclusion test. The effect of TSEO on caspase-3 gene expression and exterior ultrastructure of PSCs was investigated using real-time PCR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. In vivo effects of TSEO at doses of 20, 30, and 40 mg/kg/day were also studied in mice with hydatid cysts. Results: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the main compounds in TSEO were carvacrol (65. 88%), γ-terpinene (9. 71%), and p-cymene (7. 82%), respectively. The results showed the highest lethality of TSEO at 30 µg/mL after 60 minutes of exposure. The IC50 value was 18. 60 µg/mL after 60 minutes of exposure to TSEO. After exposing PSCs to TSEO, the expression level of the caspase-3 gene increased over time with increasing concentration (P < 0. 05). Scanning electron microscopy images of the cyst treated with 50 µL/mL of TSEO showed ultrastructural damage, rostellar disorganization, alterations in the teguments, and deformation of the cyst structure. In the in vivo assay, it was found that the average number, size, and weight of hydatid cysts decreased significantly (P < 0. 05) after treatment with TSEO. The maximum efficacy was observed after treatment with TSEO at a dose of 40 mg/kg, resulting in a significant decrease in the number, weight, and size of hydatid cysts by 9. 6 ± 1. 51, 2. 64 ± 0. 39 g, and 0. 18 ± 0. 022 mm, respectively. Conclusions: The study findings confirmed the promising in vitro and in vivo effects of TSEO against hydatid cyst infection. Considering the possible mechanisms, TSEO provoked cell wall damage and induced apoptosis. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings and clarify the precise mechanisms of action.

Background: Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are ultraviolet-absorbing metabolites found in cyanobacteria, fungi, algae, and animals, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Objectives: This study aimed to optimize MAAs extraction from Fischerella sp. F5 using experimental design techniques. Methods: The central composite design was employed to determine the optimal levels of five factors: Total extraction time, temperature, sonication time, methanol ratio, and solvent volume. Each run involved extracting 100 mg of dried biomass under the specified conditions. Mycosporine-like amino acids content was quantified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging test. The best model was selected based on the highest R2 value, and the optimized extraction conditions were determined. Results: Mycosporine-like amino acids content in the final extracts ranged from 27. 7% to 89%, with antioxidant activities ranging from 15% to 59. 3%. Overall, all factors showed a positive correlation with MAAs content in the final extract. However, no significant model was established to correlate extraction conditions with MAAs purity ratio (MAA%) or extract antioxidant activity. Conclusions: The bioactivity of partially purified MAAs may be influenced by factors such as associated impurities extracted alongside MAAs, which were not investigated in this study. Further research is necessary to identify the exact factors affecting MAAs extraction yield and purity, aiming to obtain partially purified MAAs extracts with optimal bioactivity.

Background: Acne scars are a common dermatological condition, presenting various challenges for those affected. Thus, identifying an effective treatment for the lesions left by acne is crucial. It is hypothesized that bromelain and curcumin may be effective in treating scars owing to their anti-inflammatory properties. Objectives: This study represents the first clinical trial to evaluate the impact of a bromelain and curcumin combination on post-acne scar lesions. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted on patients with acne scars. Patients were randomly divided into three groups (A: Bromelain-curcumin, B: Placebo, C: Bromelain-microencapsulated curcumin). Patients received either the supplement or placebo daily for one month. All three groups underwent standard AHA exfoliator treatment. After two and four weeks, the relevant questionnaires (Goodman-Baron's quantitative scoring) were completed to monitor changes in variables and to facilitate statistical analyses. Results: Seventy-six eligible patients were randomly assigned to one of the three groups. The evaluation of the investigated variables showed that patients receiving the Anaheal Plus supplement (bromelain-curcumin) experienced significant improvements in erythema and inflammation, as well as more favorable outcomes in Goodman-Baron's quantitative scoring, while no significant improvements were observed in the other groups. Conclusions: Treatment with the bromelain-curcumin supplement reduced inflammation and erythema caused by acne vulgaris after 4 weeks. This combination could be a beneficial adjunct treatment in mitigating symptoms of post-acne scarring. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness in this context.