Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Year:2017 | Volume:16 | Issue:SUPPLEMENT|Papers Count:24

One of the special features of IJPR is the publication of special topic issues. This special issue is dedicated exclusively to articles about the field of Pharmacognosy. Pharmacognosy that means the science of medicine has a long history in Iran. Despite the fact that the word was first used in German literature about 200 years ago, its history dates back to 1, 000 years ago in Iranian traditional medicine. The documents recorded by the Iranian ancient pioneer physicians, who made important contributions to the field, such as Rhazes, Avicenna, Jorjani, etc. have comprehensively referred to the principles of this science. Due to the variability of climate and geography, vegetation is very rich and strong in Iran. Thus, pharmacognosy research status in this country (and the world) is on the rise and the number of articles and documents obtained from this research is on the increase…

Nigella sativa (N. sativa), which belongs to the botanical family of Ranunculaceae, is a widely used medicinal plant all over the world. N. sativa seeds and oil have been used in the treatment of different diseases. Various studies on N. sativa have been carried out and a broad spectrum of its pharmacological actions have been established which include antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, antitussive, immunomodulator, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-i nflammatory, spasmolytic, and bronchodilator. This is also indicated that the majority of the therapeutic effects of N. sativa are due to the presence of thymoquinone (TQ) that is the main bioactive constituent of the essential oil. According to several lines of evidence, the protective effects of this plant and its main constituent in different tissues including brain, heart, liver, kidney, and lung have been proved against some toxic agents either natural or chemical toxins in animal studies. In this review article, several in-vitro and animal studies in scientific databases which investigate the antidotal and protective effects of N. sativa and its main constituents against natural and chemical induced toxicities are introduced. Because human reports are rare, further studies are required to determine the efficacy of this plant as an antidote or protective agent in human intoxication.

In all aerobic organisms, including human beings, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is balanced by antioxidant defense system. A serious imbalance between the production of ROS and antioxidant defense system is responsible for oxidative stress. Thus, ROS plays an important role in the etiology of many diseases and aging. Antioxidant defense system which prevents oxidative damages of ROS consist of flavanoids, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, vitamins, and antioxidant enzymes...

Myocardial infarction is a common presentation of coronary artery disease and the leading cause of death worldwide. The present study investigated potential resistance to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injuries following administration of methanolic (MeOH) extract of Scrophularia frigida (S. frigida) in isolated rat heart. Male Wistar rat hearts (n=8-10) were isolated and allowed to equilibrate for 20 min, and then subjected to 30 min regional ischemia followed by 120 min reperfusion. In the control group, Krebs-Henseleit (K/H) solution was perfused. However, in the treatment groups K/H solution containing 1, 5, and 10 mg/cc of extract was infused. In addition, total phenol, total flavonoid content and antioxidant property were evaluated and extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis. Administration of extract improved the flow rate, developed pressure as well as max and min left ventricular dp/dt. Number and duration of VT were significantly reduced by all extract concentrations in ischemic phase. In reperfusion phase, significant decreases in single and total arrhythmias were seen. Furthermore, concentrations of 5 and 10 mg/cc of extract remarkably decreased the infarct size. Generally, the methanolic extract of S. frigida exhibited a protective effect against I/R-induced injures, which might be due to the antioxidant activiies of iridoids and phenolics.

Passiflora species were known by their anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and sedative activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of the most active leaf extract of Passiflora caerulea L. grown in Egypt. The ethanolic extract of the leaves exhibited higher activity than aqueous extract as anticonvulsant (63% potency relative to carbamazepine), analgesic (70% potency relative to indomethacin), antioxidant (71% potency relative to vitamin E), anti-inflammatory (90% potency relative to indomethacin) and antipyretic (90% potency relative to paracetamol). Fractions obtained successively from the ethanolic extract were then subjected to the same biological testing demonstrating that the ethyl acetate fraction was the most active in all activities (50, 96, 80, 63 % potency relative to reference standards used in each of the selected activity, respectively) followed by n- butanol then n- hexane and chloroform fractions. Purification of the anticonvulsant sub-fractions obtained by column chromatography of ethyl acetate fraction, led to the isolation of three compounds that were identified by physical and spectroscopic techniques as Lucenin II (1), 4-hydroxycinnamic acid (2) and Chrysin 6-C-b-D-glucoside (3). The amount of Chrysin 6-C-b-D-glucoside was found to be 0.0184 g % w/w of the dried leaves using HPLC method that showed linearity (R2=0.9996) over the range 0.015-0.25 mg/mL. C-glycosyl flavones and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives may thus be the responsible principles for the biological activity of the plant under investigation. Moreover, RAPD technique was performed for the genetic characterization and authentication of the plant, where 106 fragments were recorded after DNA amplification with fifteen primers.

Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl is an herbaceous wild plant native to Iran which is traditionally used in Iranian folk medicine as a mild sedative tea for reducing anxiety and for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Our previous study on ethyl acetate extract of S. lavandulifolia proved anti-anxiolytic activity and so the present study was designed to determine chemical components of this biologically active fraction. The extract was prepared using maceration method. Column chromatography and medium pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) was used respectively to separate the fractions. Finally, some evaluated fractions were used for high pressure liquid (HPLC) and peak shaving recycle technique to achieve more purification. Separated compounds were determined using NMR analysis and mass spectroscopy. Six compounds have been isolated from ethylacetate extract of aerial parts of S. lavandulifolia including four flavonoids (apigenin, kumatakenin, penduletin and 4’, 7-dihyroxy- 3, 5, 6-trimethoxy flavone), a labdan diterpenoid (labda-13-en-8, 15-diol), and an iridoid.

Fruit and leaves of junipers are commonly used internally as tea and pounded fruits are eaten to lower blood glucose levels in Anatolia. Thus, we aimed to evaluate antidiabetic and antioxidant potential and the chemical profile of Juniperus foetidissima Willd. and J. sabina L. in this study. In-vitro antidiabetic activities of leaf and fruit extracts were examined by their inhibitory activity on a-glucosidase and a-amylase enzymes. Then, in-vivo antidiabetic activities of leaf and fruit extracts of Juniperus species were investigated on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Additionally, antioxidant activities (phosphomolybdenum, ferric-reducing antioxidant power and ABTS radical scavenging activity assays), phytochemical screening tests and high performance liquid chromatography analysis (HPLC) were done. In-vitro enzyme inhibitory effects of the extracts were supported by the results of in-vivo antidiabetic activity studies. Phytochemical screening tests indicated presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and carbohydrates in the extracts. Amentoflavone was identified as the major compound in the extracts and content of amentoflavone was determined. As a result, Juniperus extracts and its active constituents might be beneficial for diabetes and its complications.

This study was conducted to evaluate the hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant properties of Mentha spicata (Labiateae) leaves aqueous extract (MSLA) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In this study, hyperglycemia was induced in male rats by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg). The aqueous extract of M. spicata was orally administered at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight to diabetic rats for 21 days and the effects were compared with glibenclamid (2 mg/kg). Fasing blood sugar (FBS), body weight, lipid profile and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) were monitored at 0, 7, 14 and 21 days after induction of diabetes. Total phenol contents (TP) and reducing power (RP) were also evaluated. TP and RP of aqueous extract were 2.763±0.39 mg Galic acid/gr and 0.026±0.001 EC50 mg/mL, respectively. The LD50 of the extract was found to be ˃ 1500 mg/kg. The administration of M. spicata aqueous extract produced a significant reduction (P˂ 0.01) in FBS, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol and MDA (101.83±4.33, 95.66±4.75, 89.83±5.26, 26.20±5.10 mg/dl and 1.53±0.61 mmol/l, respectively) in diabetic rats. These effects were comparable with the effects of standard antidiabetic drug (glibenclamide). The results of the investigation indicated that M. spicata leaf aqueous extract possess hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant properties in diabetic rats. Therefore, this study suggest a promising use of it for treatment of diabetes.

A new cyclic diarylheptanoid namely alnuheptanoid B (3), along with four known cyclic diarylheptanoids: myricanone (1), (+) - S -myricanol (2), myricanone 5- O- b-D-glucopyranoside (4), and (+) - S -myricanol 5- O- b-D-glucopyranoside (5) were isolated from the EtOAc fraction of Alnus japonica Steud (family: Betulaceae) stem bark. Their structures were established by different spectroscopic analyses, as well as optical rotation measurement. Compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 are isolated for the first time from A. japonica. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of compounds (1-5) were assessed using DPPH assay and carrageenin induced rat paw edema model, respectively. They displayed significant antioxidant activity in relation to propyl gallate (standard antioxidant) at concentration 50 mM. Compound 2 demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect at a dose 10 mg/kg compared with indomethacin (positive control).

It has been investigated the in-vitro antioxidant properties of ethanol extracts of the contained-allantoin plants in this study. Contained- allantoined plant samples Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major, Robinia pseudoacacia, Platanus orientalis and Aesculus hippocastanum were tested at different concentrations. The antioxidant activities of plant samples were analysed by 1, 1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), reducing power assay and b-carotene bleaching method. Plantago major plant showed the highest antioxidant capacity compared to other plant extracts in results of the in-vitro assays including 1, 1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method with 90.25 %, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) with 1.789 %, reducing power assay (FRAP) with 1.321 % and b-carotene bleaching method with 78.01 % in 1 mg/mL. The lowest antioxidant activity was determined in Robinia pseudoacacia plant. In conclusion, allantoin shows antioxidant properties and it has the positive effect on total antioxidant capacity.

The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of high-quality, randomized, controlled trials (RCTs), to investigate the effectiveness of phytoestrogens in alleviating the menopausal symptoms (vaginal atrophy). Variety of databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CCRCT) were searched up to May 2015 according to the below-mentioned pre-specified search strategy and using the relevant MeSH terms. The mean difference was applied as an estimate of the main effect size. Moreover, due to the considerable heterogeneity among studies, the random-effects model was used to obtain the pooled effect size derived from primary studies. Results showed that while the standardized mean difference of vaginal cell maturation index was increased up to 0.164 percent (with the confidence interval at 95%: (-0.419-0.746), but this increase was not statistically significant (P=0.582). The absence of the publication bias was confirmed using the Egger’s regression intercept test (P=0.24). Also, meta-analysis of soybeans studies showed that while the standardized mean difference of vaginal maturation index increased 0.072% in (95% CI: -0.42 to 0.5.), this increase was not statistically significant (p=0.777). The results confirm that soybeans and phytoestrogens have non- significant positive effects on the vaginal atrophy index. Hence, it is suggested that with regard to non-significant positive effects, non-hormonal treatments along with other treatments such as the vaginal gels and so on should be used more in cases with non-severe vaginal atrophy.

The aim of this study was to survey the exact benefit of this herb in the management of clinical and laboratory signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In a randomized double blind clinical trial, 74 patients with the signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis and a positive skin prick test were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups who were taken Urtica dioica 150-mg, UrtidinÒ F.C Tablet) or placebo for one month. Their signs and symptoms, eosinophil percentage on nasal smear, serum IgE, and interleukin IL-4, IL-5, interferon- g) levels were recorded.Forty patients completed the trial. Based on the Sino- Nasal Outcome Test 22 SNOT-22), asignificant improvement in clinical symptom severity was observed in both groups P<.001). Furthermore, a statistically significant reduction in mean nasal smear eosinophil count was observed after treatment with Nettle P<.01). However, the mean IgE and IL4 and IL5 levels in the study group before and after treatment with Nettle saw no significant changes P>.1).Intergroup pre- and post- treatment laboratory findings suggested that there was a significant difference in post-treatment changes of mean IFN g levels between the study and placebogroup P=0.017). Although the current study showed certain positive effects of Nettle in the management of allergic rhinitis on controlling the symptoms based on the SNOT-22, similar effects were demonstrated by placebo as well. We believe that our limitations underscore the need for larger, longer term studies of Nettle for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

In this study, we investigate the potential of Moricandia arvensis methanol leaf extract (MeOHL) on calpain activity, melanin biosynthesis and DNA mutagenicity. Cytotoxic effect and measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by lucigenin in colorectal cells (BE) were also determined. In addition, the chemical analysis of the extract was also studied and the chemical profile illustrates its content in para- hydroxybenzoic acid (p -HBA), a glycosylated kampferol (GK), a glycosylated kampferol with Rhamnose (GKR) and 19 amino acids (AAs). Our results showed that MeOHL extract enhanced a significant cytotoxic (max of IP=89.23%) and antioxidant (max of IP=100%) activities. Furthermore, the tested extract stimulated calpain activity and significantly increased the production of intra (46 mg/mL cells) and extracellular melanin content (12.5mg/mL). Using Ames assay, the extract exhibits a significant inhibition of mutagenicity induced by methy- methane- sulfonate (MMS) (76.32%) as well as 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA) (91%) in the Salmonella thyphimurium TA104 assay system.

The aerial parts of Acantholimon gilliati was extracted by n-hexane, dichloromethane and methanol. Methanolic extract tested for hepatoprotective effects on formaldehyde liver injury in mice. The maximum effect that the methanolic extract showed protective effect on this experiment against formaldehyde observed in 5 and 10 mg. Also other concentrations of this extract showed positive effect compared to toxicant on morphology and biochemical factors of the liver. Results showed that the methanolic extract of the A. gilliati has a protective include functional and enzymatic stablingeffect on liver.

Raspberry waste, obtained from two cultivars, Meeker (ERM) and Willamette (ERW) was subjected to evaluation antioxidants and antitumour activities as a potential source of phenolics. Some phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified and quantified by HPLC. Antioxidant activity was tested by measuring ability to scavenge DPPH· and ·OH by ESR spectroscopy. IC50DPPH· varied from 0.67 for ERM to 0.54 mg/mL for ERW, while IC50•OH values varied from 3.73 for ERM to 1.23 mg/mL for ERW. Cytotoxic activity was investigated using in vivo model of Ehrlich Ascite carcinoma cells (EAC) in mice. Pretreatment with extracts exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against EAC cells (up to 60%) and both extracts inhibited the tumour growth. Activity of xanthine oxidase (XOD) was extremely increased in pretreated animals, while the activity of enzyme complex glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) was significantly increased. This study suggests that raspberry pomace could be used as nutraceutic resource and functional food ingredient.

Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) manuscripts contain prescriptions that have long been used for healing of wounds. The present study evaluates the healing effect of a poly herbal paste (PHP), retrieved from ITM sources, containing Aloe vera, Commiphora myrrha and Boswellia carteri using rat excision wound model.Excision wounds were induced in six groups consisting of six rats each. Group 1 received no treatment, while groups 2 and 6 received tetracycline ointment, Alpha ointment, PHP 40%, PHP 10% and paste base every day, respectively. The percentage of wound contraction on days 2, 7, 14 and 21 and histopathology parameters of healed wounds on 14th and 21st days were evaluated. Moreover, antioxidant activity of PHP was evaluated using DPPH method.There was a significant improvement in wound healing in PHP 10% group on the 7th day of the treatment (p<0.05). Moreover, the healing effect of PHP 10% was significantly greater than the control, tetracycline and paste base groups on the 2nd, 14th and 21st days (p<0.05). On day 14, PHP 40% showed significant healing effect compared to the control, tetracycline and paste base groups (p<0.05). Fewer inflammatory cells were observed in PHP 10%-treated animals and this group demonstrated better re-epithelialization with remarkable neovascularization. Besides, the PHP 10% formulation exhibited antioxidant activity.In vivoand histopathologic examinations showed considerable wound healing in PHP 10% group. This finding could probably be due to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of phytoconstituents of A. vera, B. carteri and C. myrrha.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.,) is a medicinal herb commonly used by humans. The role of reactive oxygen metabolites on cancer etiology is known. There are some studies about the antioxidant effects of Urtica Dioica (UD) on therapy of some cancer types. This study aimed to investigate the effects of UD on antioxidant enzyme activities and mammary gland cancer induced by in rats-N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU) carcinogenesis.Rats were divided into four groups: a untreated group (Group 1), a NMU group (Group 2) given 50 mg/kg NMU by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, a NMU group (Group 3) treated with UD, a control group (Group 4) fed with 50g/kg UD. After 5.5 months, rats were decapitated, and mammary tissue and blood samples were obtained. There was a significant (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively) increase in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of group 2 compared with group 1 and 4. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of the erythrocytes was decreased in group 3 than the other groups (p<0.0001). The erythrocyte catalase (CAT) activity was significantly increased in group 4 compared with group 2 and 3 (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). The number of animals with palpable tumors was 6 (46.15%) in group 2, and 2 (13.3%) in group 3 at the end of the 22nd week. Although group 3 had lower palpable tumor number than group 2, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.096).The results showed that UD constituents may have effects on lipid peroxidation and some antioxidant enzyme activities, and may slow the formation of mammary tumor.

Primary dysmenorrhea refers to painful cramps during menstruation with no organic reason. With respect to its high incidence and adverse outcomes in quality of life and some evidences regarding the sedative and antispasmodic effects of Melissa officinails on smooth muscles as an herb, this double-blind clinical trial was conducted to determine the effects of its capsules on severity of dysmenorrhea in the students of Islamic Azad University of Zanjan in 2014.110 students were matched in terms of dysmenorrhea severity and experience; age; menarche; body mass index (BMI); occupation as well as educational level of parents; and duration, interval as well as amount of bleeding. Then, they were randomly divided into 2 herb (55 subjects) and placebo (55 subjects) groups. The former was given capsules 330 mg of the herb 3 times a day over 3 days at the onset of hemorrhage while the latter was given placebo in similar capsules containing corn starch with the same protocol. Pain severity was evaluated with a visual analogue scale (0 to 10 cm). Different statistical tests were used for data analysis with SPSS package.No significant difference was found between the means of pain severity in the groups before the intervention. However, the severity was reduced in both groups after the intervention (P<0.001) but the amount of it was more in Melissa group with a significant difference (P<0.05). With respect to the findings, it seems that M. officinalis may decrease dysmenorrhea, which may be related to antispasmodic effects of this herb.

The course of biochemical and physiological actions results in the production of harmful free radicals and reactive oxygen species in human body. These free radicals and reactive oxygen species damage important biomolecules such as DNA, lipids, and proteins; ultimately becoming the leading source of different serious chronic disorders like cancer, aging, diabetes, atherosclerosis and several neurodegenerative disorders. To overcome this hazard, nature provides us a defense shield in the form of dietary antioxidants from plants. Different synthetic antioxidants are routinely used in medical practices, but may be unsafe because of their side effects and toxicity to off-target organs of concern. It remains possible that natural antioxidants derived from plant sources may be of vast use for human consumption and nutritional supplementation...

The essential oils obtained by hydro distillation (HD), steam distillation (SD) and solvent free microwave extraction (SFME) from the stems and flowers of Tanacetumtenuisectum (Boiss.) Podl., which is endemic to Iran, were analyzed by combination of GC and GC/MS.Camphor (26.91 %, 27.23% and 25.52%), borneol (12.61%, 11.48% and 7.62%) and 1, 8-cineole (7.93%, 13.23% and 11.26%) were the main constituents of the HD, SD and SFME oils of Tanacetumtenuisectum respectively.All three oils were rich in regard to monoterpenes and small percentage of sesquiterpenes and non terpenoid compounds.Antibacterial activity of the essential oil of the plant was determined against six Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The results showed that this oil was active against all of the tested bacteria.

Dendrobium genus was reported to contain alkaloid, bibenzyl, fluorenone, phenanthrene, sesquiterpenoid, and phenolic acid, which have biological properties. Our aim was to investigate the protective effect of an aqueous extract of Dendrobium nobile Lindl (DNE) against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Quantification of four phenolic acids (4-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, syringic, and ferulic acid) in DNE was determined using the HPLC-photodiode array method. Possible protective effects against cisplatin- induced nephrotoxicity were investigated using in-vitro (porcine kidney cells; PK15) and in-vivo (Sprague Dawley rat) studies. Among the four phenolic acids, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid was the most abundant. In the in-vitro study, DNE pretreatment partially prevented decrement of viability after cisplatin (15 mg/mL) treatment in the both the MTT and crystal violet assays. Moreover, relative to cells treated with cisplatin alone, the DNE (50 mg/mL) -pretreated cells showed a ~30% increase in glutathione levels and a ~15% decrease in reactive oxygen species. The expression of p53 was also decreased in DNE-pretreated cells (p<0.05). In the in-vivo study, the renal function index decreased to normal levels in groups pretreated with DNE (300 and 500 mg/kg); histopathological alterations and apoptotic cells were also attenuated. Moreover, DNE pretreatment ameliorated oxidative stress in the kidney, as evidenced by recovered antioxidant enzyme levels and decreased lipid peroxidation. DNE, by decreasing oxidative stress, was found to have a protective effect against cisplatin- induced nephrotoxicity. Based on these findings, DNE might be beneficial when treating cisplatin-induced AKI.

Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl. (Apiaceae) is a medicinal plant distributed in Mediterranean regions, Caucasia and southwest of Asia. In the present study phytochemical constituents of the extract obtained from the aerial parts of P. ferulacea were investigated using various chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Essential oil of the plant aerial parts was also analyzed using GC-MS. Five phenolic derivatives, isoimperatorin (1), ferudenol (2), caffeic acid glucosyl ester (3), isorhamnetin-3-O-b-D-glucopyranoside (4) and quercetin-3-O-b-D-glucopyranoside (5) were isolated from the aerial parts of P. ferulacea and their structures were elucidated using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, EI-MS and UV spectral analyses. Twenty-seven compounds were also identified in the essential oil of plant aerial parts, of which b-pinene (43.1%), α-pinene (22.1%) and d-3-carene (16.9%) were characterized as main compounds. The results of this study introduce P. ferulacea as a source of potentially bioactive phenolic compounds and suggest it as an appropriate candidate for further studies.

Leukemia is a blood disease that creates from inhibition of differentiation and increased proliferation rate. The nature has been known as a rich source of medically useful substances. High diversity of bioactive molecules, extracted from marine invertebrates, makes them as ideal candidates for cancer research. The study has been done to investigate cytotoxic effects of dichloromethane brittle star extract and doxorubicin on EL4 cancer cells. Blood cancer EL4 cells were cultured and treated at different concentrations of brittle star (Ophiocoma erinaceus) dichloromethane extract at 24, 48 and 72 h. Cell toxicity was studied using MTT assay. Cell morphology was examined using an invert microscope. Further, apoptosis was examined using Annexin V-FITC, propodium iodide, DAPI, and Acridine orange/ propodium iodide staining. Eventually, the apoptosis pathways were analyzed using measurement of Caspase-3 and -9 activity. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, ANOVA software, and Tukey’s test. P<0.05 was considered to be significant. MTT assay and morphological observations showed that dichloromethane extract can inhibit cell growth in a dose dependent. The results considered 32 mg/mL of the extract as IC50. Also, doxorubicin suppressed EL4 proliferation as IC50=32 mg/mL. All experiments related to apoptosis analysis confirmed that dichloromethane brittle star extract and doxorubicin have a cytotoxic effect on EL4 cells in IC50 concentration. The study showed that dichloromethane brittle star extract is as an adjunct to doxorubicin in treatment of leukemia cells.

Avicenna (980-1037 AD), the foremost Iranian physician, introduced numerous herbs as diuretics in his renowned book of Canon of Medicine. He has recommended herbal diuretics for most ailments accompanied by fluid superabundance like lassitude, oedema, and ascites…