Journal of Medicinal Plants
Year:2020 | Volume:19 | Issue:75|Papers Count:24

Background: Due to the lack of drug dependence prevention processes and the low effectiveness of treatment for the withdrawal of addiction and undesirable side effects of synthetic drugs, moving towards the use of reverse pharmacology to produce a less costly, effective, and low-risk drug is inevitable. Objective: Considering the long history of traditional medicine in Iran in the field of diagnosis and treatment of diseases, including addiction, this study was done by looking at the original manuscript of traditional Persian Medicine (PM), animal studies and clinical trial of the effects of Daturra stramonium and Hab-o-shefa for treatment of opiate addiction. Methods: This paper includes three sections: the study of PM textbooks, animal studies and clinical trials based on research conducted. Results: In the study of PM texts, two main pharmacologic ways to treat opioid habits have been described, graduation and replacement. In the research done Daturra’ s effect on pharmacological withdrawal syndrome in male rats was significantly more than methadone. Hab-o-shefa’ s toxicology studies did not show any side effects and tissue damage. Animal studies did not show a significant difference in the total score between the methadone group and Hab-oshefa group. Clinical studies of Hab-o-shefa on the withdrawal syndrome of opioid dependent patients showed the effect of this product on controlling depression and Signs of deprivation compared to placebo and clonidine. The effect of Hab-o-shefa as a preservative in people with opioid abuse reduced craving, anxiety, and depression over time. Conclusion: The results of our studies showed the effectiveness of hab-o-shefa in all phases of addiction treatment. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Background: Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, especially in elderlies. Its exact pathogenesis is not yet known and existing therapies do not have enough efficacy. Therefore, the use of complementary therapies such as traditional Persian medicine for improving memory function is increasing. Objective: The aim of this study is evaluating recommended natural products in important traditional Persian medicine textbooks. Methods: For this purpose, keywords such as "Nesyan" (ie: oblivion, amnesia), "Hafezeh" (ie: memory), "Zekr" (ie: mention) and "Faramoushi" (ie: forgetfulness( were used to search in recommended prescription in important traditional Persian medicine textbooks. Then, the most repeated plants were extracted from the prescription and evaluated for their pharmacological properties recently published articles cited in the scientific databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, and Scopus. Results: 262 natural products were in 96 evaluated prescription, 40 natural products were more repeated. These products were introduced in the table. Besides, their neuroprotective effects, antioxidant effects, and anti-Alzheimer's disease effect were also included in the table. Conclusion: Based on these results, traditional Persian has introduced many treatments for Alzheimer's disease, which requires clinical studies to prove or disprove their efficacy and safety.

Background: Ethnobotany investigates the traditional and local application of plants in different regions by locals and different cultures. It aims at describing the relationships between cultures and plants, focusing on their applications. Local people and the elderly in each region have a lot of information about the uses of plants. Objective: The purpose of this study was to introduce the most important medicinal plants species in Abhar County and their applications in traditional therapies. Methods: After stydying the area, interviews with native connoisseurs, the medicinal plants of Abhar County were collected during 2015-2016 and by their scientific identification, the names in Persian, Local as well as the organs used, their medicinal properties, and usage were determined. Results: The findings of this study revealed the presence of 71 medicinal plants species belonging to 29 families. The families of Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Lamiaceae with 11, 10, and 8 species, respectively, are the most important ones in the study area. The most important applications of them in Abhar County are for gastrointestinal disorders (54/93%). They are mostly used in brewed and boiled (76/06%), or extracted form (38/03%). Conclusion: Presence of 71 species of medicinal plants in Abhar County with their various uses by the local people in the treatment of diseases is indicative of the value of traditional medicine in this region. So, the preservation and development of this indigenous knowledge can play an important role in treatment of some diseases in a more appropriate, less costly and fewer side effects way.

Background: High Blood glucose levels is one of the main problems in diabetes. α-glucosidase with decomposition of polysaccharides increases the absorption of carbohydrates from the intestine, resulting in blood glucose upsurge. Inhibition of this enzyme is one of the most important strategies for treatment of diabetes. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate in silico inhibitory effect of flavones, found in fruit and plants, on the α-glucosidase activity. Methods: This is a descriptive-analytic approach. The structure of the flavone compounds and α-glucosidase downloaded from PubChem and PDB database respectively. Then physicochemical properties of flavone compounds were predicted by the Zink data base and Swiss ADME server. Finally, Molegro Virtual Docker 6. 0 and Molecular Viewer Molegro 2. 5 environments were used, to do molecular interaction among flavone compounds and the enzyme. Results: Physicochemical characteristics of investigated flavone compounds were desirable. As well all of the studied flavone compounds were able to inhibit the α-glucosidase. But among the studied compounds, luteolin and nobiletin had the lowest negative energy with 78. 98 and 87. 96 KJ/mole respectively, and therefore the most docking points than the miglitol (positive control). Conclusion: Examined flavone compounds in this study, mainly nobiletin, are particularly suitable because of their fine placement in the active site of the enzyme. So they have more inhibitory effect than other similar compounds. As a result, after some in vitro and in vivo, complementary studies on this compound, it is possible to distinguish it as a potent pharmaceutical inhibitor of α-glucosidase, to be used in diabetes treatment.

Background: Lactuca undulata is an annual herb belongs to Asteraceae family. Cichoric acid is the main component of Lactuca undulata which has different property in food and pharmaceutical industries. Objective: The goal of current research was to compare phytochemical components and antioxidant activity of Lactuca undulata which was collected from different regions of Iran. Methods: For this purpose, stem of plants were collected from Quom, Biarjemand, Mirzabiloo in north Khorasan, Firoozkooh and Damghan-Cheshmeh Ali during regenerative phase. Chicoric, Chlorogenic and Caffeic acid was evaluated by HPLC methods. Also total phenol, flavonoid and tannin contents were assayed. The antioxidant activity was measured by using DPPH assay. Results: The obtained results revealed that samples collected from Firoozkooh and Quom accumulated the highest amount of cichoric acid (3. 5 mg/g Dry weight) and caffeic acid (1. 26 mg/g Dry weight), respectively. Meanwhile the amount of total phenol was varied from 13. 53 (in Firoozkooh collected samples) to 18. 86 mg/g Dry weight (in Quom collected samples). The results showed that there was significant difference in total flavonoids (P˂ 5%) and total tannin (P˂ 1%) amount among samples collected from different regions. On the other hands, the highest and the lowest antioxidant activity was observed in samples collected from Quom and Biarjemand regions, respectively. Conclusion: The current data showed that Lactuca undulata collected from Firoozkooh contain the highest amount of cichoric acid and as an Iranian native plant can be a suitable source of cichoric acid production.

Background: The levels of IL-13, IL-4, IL-1B, TNF-α and IL-10 alter in the colon of people with ulcerative colitis. previous studies, it was found that shilajit (asphaltum) was effective in the improvement of ulcerative colitis. we guessed that the shilajit has been able to improve the ulcerative colitis by affecting the amount of cytokines. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of shilajit on IL-13, IL-4, IL-1B, TNF-α and IL-10 in ulcerative colitis. Methods: In this experimental study, 49 white male rats were randomly divided into 7 groups including sham groups, ulcerative colitis, Gavage vehicle, Gavage shilajit, sulfasalazine, Intra Anal Vehicle, Intra Anal shilajit. To produce ulcerative colitis 2 cc acetic acid (4%) was prescribed intra-rectal. 4 days after the induction of colitis, it was given 4 days: shilajit 250 mg / kg was used as a gavage or intra anal. Sulfasalazine was dosed at 250 mg / kg in the form of gavage. Results: The Gavage shilajit group increased IL-10, IL-4and decreased IL-1β , TNF-α compared to Gavage vehicle group. Shilajit has been able to close the levels of IL-4, IL-13, IL-10, TNF-α to normal values of the sham group. Conclusion: Considering that the weight ratio of intestinal rat to the body of rat in the shilajit groups was lower than that of the sulfasalazine group, it can be shown that shilajit has been able to more reduce inflammation by making a more suitable change in cytokines in comparison with sulfasalazine.

Background: Polygonatum orientale, an herbaceous and perennial plant from family Asparagaceae, is native to the forests of northern Iran. The hypoglycemic effects of other species of the Polygonatum have been proven. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of P. orientale rhizome extract and its effects on the antioxidant enzymes in the plasma of the normal and streptozocin induced diabetic rats. Methods: 30 male rats were divided into 6 groups; healthy control, negative control, positive control (metformin, 500 mg/kg) and three groups of diabetic rats (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) that received the ethanolic (70%) extract orally. After 28 days effects of the extract on blood glucose, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase enzymes, as well as total antioxidant capacity of the plasma (by FRAP test) were investigated. Results: According to the results, the percentage of reduction in blood glucose in the groups of 400 (2%) and 800 (25%) mg/kg compared to the diabetic control group was significantly different, (P<0. 05) and (P<0. 001), respectively. The difference in blood glucose levels between 400 and 800 mg/kg and metformin was not significant (P>0. 05). Also, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract reduced the amount of SOD in the plasma comparable to the normal group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the ethanolic extract of rhizome of P. orientale exhibits a significant hypoglycemic effect that may be related to the presence of steroids, flavonoids and polysaccharides.

Background: The process of producing nanomaterials involves the procurement of ingredients, the production of nanomaterials on commercial scale, and their use in many fields of medicine, health, agriculture, pharmacy, chemistry, and so on. Objective: Economical and green production of gold nanoparticles with sizes less than 20 nm by evening primrose seed extract under the influence of effective and optimized environmental factors is one of the main objectives of this study. Methods: Extract of evening primrose seeds were prepared by Ultrasonic-assisted extraction. HAuCl4 solution was prepared in 1 mM and after adding to the extract plant with a specific concentration ratio and pH adjustment, the samples were incubated for a specified period. From the prepared samples, 16 samples were selected and used according to the Taguchi orthogonal array and using Minitab18 software. Results: The results show that among the 16 proposed recommendations based on the Taguchi method, the concentration of 200: 400 μ L of gold chloride to the plant extract, pH=10, temperature of 50 ° C and 24 hours are the optimum levels of each factor. The optimal sample for spectral and microscopic analysis of the Fourier Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential (ZP) and transient electron microscopy (TEM) was investigated. The results of TEM shows that the size of synthesized nanoparticles by are between 2-10 nm. Conclusion: biosynthesis of GNPs by EP seed extract using Taguchi method is cost effective, less time-consuming and successful.

Background: The general tendency of society in the use of natural extracts as antimicrobial, antioxidant and preservative compounds has increased in recent years. Objective: The purpose of this study is to improve the functional properties of two native plants (Hyssopus officinalis and Eryngium caeruleum M. Bieb) of the country that was accomplished by comparing the increasing stability of the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of nanoliposomes containing their extracts with the control compounds (free extracts). Methods: Aqueous extraction was performed after identification of both plants and nanoliposomes of H. officinalis, E. caeruleum and their compound were produced based on thin-film hydration method. Tests of encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, particle size with dynamic light scattering, zeta potential with zetasizer, antioxidant activity by the DPPH radical scavenging method and antimicrobial property were determined by well method. Results: Nanoliposomes containing E. caeruleum extract had significantly higher loading capacity (5. 17%) and encapsulation efficiency (5. 23%). The mean size of nanoliposome particles of E. caeruleum extract was significantly higher (21. 54 nm) than other samples. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was increased after encapsulation in the nanoliposome, and the EC50 of the nanoliposomal E. caeruleum extract was decreased to 14. 27 (μ g/ml). Among the microsatellites, Streptococcus iniae (43. 19 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (38. 18 mm), respectively, showed a higher growth inhibition compared to other bacterias in the presence of nanoliposomes containing H. officinalis and E. caeruleum extracts. Conclusion: Nanoliposomes containing Hyssopus officinalis and E. caeruleum extracts can best increase the functional properties of these medicinal plants and are recommended for industrial application.

Background: Accuracy and lack of anxiety are two important factors in how nursing student’ s work. Various methods, including aromatherapy, have been suggested to reduce anxiety and increase accuracy. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of inhaling peppermint essential oilon anxiety and accuracy of nursing students in emergency department of Birjandeducational hospitals. Methods: This is a clinical trial study. One drop of peppermint essential oil (experimental group, n = 32) and one drop of sweet almond oil (placebo, n = 32) was poured on the gauze into the mask and inhaled for 20 minutes in 4 days. Both Bonardel Accuracy Questionnaire and Spielberger Anxiety Questionnaire were completed by both groups before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software. The study used t-test, paired t-test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and chi-square test. Results: The results of this study showed that both groups were similar in terms of demographic variables. Paired ttest showed no significant difference between the two groups before and after the intervention (P<0. 05). Paired t-test results showed that the mean score of accuracy after the intervention was significantly higher in both groups (P<0. 001). Conclusion: Peppermint essential oil compared to the placebo group was able to increase the accuracy of nursing students, which is consistent with the findings of other studies.

Background: Neuritis is one of the causes of neuropathic pains. It is proved that turmeric and curcumin have anti-neuritis effect that may be reduce of neuropathic pain. Objective: In this study, effects of turmeric and curcumin have been evaluated on behavioral response resulted from chronic constriction injury (CCI) in rat. Methods: In this experimental study Wistar male rat (200-250 gr) were used. For create of CCI, Bennet and Xie (1988) method has been used. 2 weeks after neuritis occurrence, turmeric 60 mg/kg and curcumin 30 and 60 mg/kg injection have been begun and continued until 26th day as daily and Intraperitonealy. Animal behavioral responses have been measured by using of mechanical allodynia (Von Frey) test and thermal hyperalgesia test during 14, 17, 20, 23, 26 and 40 days after neuritis occurrence. Results: Results indicated that creation of CCI increases behavioral responses as significant. Curcumin injection with dosage of 30 mg/Kg leads to decrease of mechanical allodynia from 20th and thermal hyperalgesia from 23th day. This effect has been observed until 40th day. Curcumin injection with dosage of 60 mg/Kg leads to decrease of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in 26th day. Turmeric injection with dosage of 60 mg/kg had no effect on mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Conclusion: Finding shown that curcumin has positive effect on decrease of neuropathic pain that induced by CCI. Previous study suggested that the effect of curcumin is partly attributed to attenuation of lipid peroxidation in the periphery that finally reduced of inflammation.

Backround: The Pycnocycla bashgardiana Mozaffarian is one of the endemic medicinal species in Hormozgan province. Because of the valuable compound myristicin in the organs of this plant, it is used intravenously in the treatment of some diseases. Objective: Evaluation of essential oil content and constituents of aerial parts during different phenological stages including before flowering, flower initiation, full flowering and seed maturity stsgegs. Methods: the essential oil was isolated using Clevenger-type apparatus, and their constituents were identified using GC and GC/MS devices. Results: The highest essential oil content (2. 22%) was related to flower initiation stage. The essential oil content at pre-flowering, full flowering and seed maturity stages were 0. 64%, 1. 54% and 0. 74%, respectively. In general, 39 compounds were identified in the isolated essential oil, some of which were found only in one stage of growth and some others were observed in all of the four examined stages. Comparison of essential oil constituents showed that in all stages, p-cymene, E-beta-ocimene, myristecine, sabinene, (Z)-beta-ocimene and isomyristicin were the major compounds. The myristecine level in all stages was one of the three high compounds that reached to 52. 71, 12. 8%, 8. 6% and 17% at before flowering, flower initiation, full flowering and seed maturity stages, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results, the maximum amount of myristecine was obtained at the vegetative stage before the plant reaches flowering. Also, the maximum content of Z-beta-ocimine and E-beta-ocimine compounds were found during flowering, however, maximum iso-myristicin, subabinen, and parasimine were observed at seed maturity stage.

Background: Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) may differentially affect physiological and metabolic processes of plants depends on plant species, culture conditions, concentrations and application methods. Objective: Evalaution of the effects of different concentrations of CeO2NPs through two different methods at two growth stages on morpho-physiological and phytochemicqal characteristics of red sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge). Methods: In this study CeO2NPs (0, 250, 500, 1000 mg/l) was applied at two growth stages (vegetative and reproductive) via foliar and soil application in a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with three replications. Results: Maximum dry weight of aerial parts was obsrved in 250 mg/l CeO2NPs foliar application treatment at reproductive stage. Chlorophyll a content was peaked at 250 mg/l CeO2NPs soil applied treatment at reproductive stage. Furthermore, the highest content of total phenol, flavonoid, and antioxidant acitivity were obtained in leaf extract of plants foliar treated with 500 mg/l CeO2NPs at reproductive stage. The highest root rosmarinic acid and tanshinon content was achived at soil applied CeO2NPs of 500 mg/l at reproductive stage, which increased 58. 7 and 24. 6% compared to the respective control, respectively. Conclusion: According to the obtained results in this study, CeO2NPs at 250 and 500 mg/l through foliar application at reproductive stage showed strong effect on improvement of morpho-physiological and phytochemical characteristics in S. miltiorrhiza.

Background: Punica granatum var. pleniflora (Golnar in Persian) is a subspecies of pomegranate that only has the blooms with no fruit generation. The plant has been used for the treatment of liver diseases in Iranian folk medicine. Objective: In the present study, the hepatoprotective effects of aqueous extract of Punica granatum var. pleniflora (APG) were evaluated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats along with its in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities. In vitro free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties of APG were also measured by DPPH method and the determination of polyphenol and flavonoids contents. Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by CCl4 administration and the extract were administered orally at three different doses. Results: At the end of the experiment, the serum biomarkers of liver injury, including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), bilirubin, and total protein were significantly decrease in APG-treated animals when compared to CCl4-intoxicated rats (P<0. 001). Besides, in vivo examination showed that the extract prevented CCl4-induced hepatic oxidative stress in rats, which demonstrated by the restoration of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the lessening of lipid peroxidation (P<0. 001). In addition, APG diminished the increase of relative liver weight induced by CCl4 in rats (P<0. 001). Conclusion: To conclude, this study showed that APG possesses potent free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities. Also, the hepatoprotective properties of APG against CCl4-induced liver injury may be partly mediated by its antioxidant activity due to the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids in the plant.

Background: Basil (Ocimum basillicum L. ) is one of the most important medicinal plants belong to Lamiaceae family. Basil essential oil contains important terpenoid compounds, including monoterpanes and sesquiterpanes widely used in drug industries. Objective: In the current investigation, a completely randomized design-based experiment was conducted in greenhouse with three replications and treatments to study the effect of drought stress on the expression of some genes involved in monoterpanes and sesquiterpenes biosynthesis including selinene synthase (SES), beta-myrcene synthase (MYS), gamma-cadinene synthase (CDS), alpha-zingeberene synthase (ZIS) and geraniol synthase (GES), and the compounds produced by these genes in O. basilicum c. v. Keshkeni luvelou. Methods: Drought stress was applied at three levels of 100, 75 and 50% of field capacity (FC) at 6-8 leaf stages. Results: Analysis of gene expression data revealed that treatments 75% and 50% of FC increase the GES expression two and 3. 8 times, MYS expression 16 and 17. 4 times, and expression of the ZIS 1. 31 and 1. 41 times, respectively. The expression of SES gene was almost constant and the CDS expression was declined. Conclusion: the results of essential oil analysis showed that drought stress reduced the geraniol content, but increased beta-myrcene and gamma-cadinene contents. The results also showed that changes in MYS expression was consistent with the beta-myrcene content under drought stress conditions.

Background: The genus Nepeta comprise various annual and perennial plants with 250 species in different parts of the world. 67 species of Nepeta have been reported in Iran in which 39 ones are endemic to Iran. Nepeta eremokosmos Rech. f. is an endemic plant growing in the Semnan of Iran. Objective: The present study was conducted to assess the quantitative and qualitative properties of Nepeta eremokosmos in its natural sites (1700 to 2100 m above sea level) during phenological stages (vegetative and flowering). Methods: the aerial parts were collected in spring and summer of 2017 and the EO was measured via hydrodistillation method. Water-distilled volatile oil from the aerial parts of Nepeta eremokosmos was analyzed by a combination of GC and GC/MS. Results: The results showed the highest EO content was observed in interaction of Arvaneh and flowering stage (1. 9 %), while the lowest value was found in Aftar and vegetative stages (0. 43 %). There was no significant change for trans-pinocarveol during phenological stages. This component in Arvaneh was slightly higher than Aftar. Arvaneh due to more deserved edaphic and climatic conditions induces greater essential oil content and also increased 1, 8-cineole and trans-pinocarveol compared to Aftar. In the growing stages, flowering had greater EO content and 1, 8-cineole and in comparison with vegetative stage. Conclusion: To sum up, flowering stage is the best time to reach the optimum EO and 1, 8-cineole for both Arvanh and Aftar sites.

Background: Today, the tendency to use biodegradable biopolymers as one of the appropriate technologies to prevent food oxidation has received much attention. Objective: The aim of the present study was to produce a new biodegradable films containing free ethanolic extracts and nanocapsules of kak kosh biabani (Pulicaria gnaphalodes (Vent. ) Boiss. ), in order to investigate the antioxidant properties in laboratory conditions. Methods: In this study, the effects of different films on mechanical properties, antioxidant activities, encapsulation efficiency, water vapor permeability, microstructure and morphology and color characteristics were evaluated. Results: The average particle size was 153-166 nm and the encapsulation efficiency was 49. 87-73. 07%. Nanoliposomes with the lowest size and highest encapsulation efficiency were merged with the film samples. The results obtained from FT-IR spectra revealed new interactions between chitosan and nanoliposomes. Despite the increase in yellow color and decrease in whiteness indices, the nanoliposome composition improves the mechanical stiffness and results in reduced water vapor permeability (WVP). Conclusion: The properties of chitosan-zein films were affected by the amount of extract used, which generally improved the properties of the films and their antioxidant properties. Due to these features, this film can be used in food storage.

Background: Zataria multiflora Boiss. (Lamiaceae) has been found in Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Z. multiflora called ‘ Avishane Shirazi’ in Persian is used as a seasoned in many foods in Iran. The literature survey demonstrated that Z. multiflora has immunostimulant, pain-relieving, antinociceptive, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, antifungal effects and also widely used in traditional medicine for analgesia, diarrhea, infectious diseases, and gastrointestinal problems. Objective: The subject of this study is performing phytochemical constituents of methanolic extract of Z. multiflora. Methods: The application of various chromatographic techniques such as normal and reverse C18 chromatography let to isolation, purification and identification of several flavonoids. Results: In this investigation, the fractionation of methanol extract of the aerial parts of Z. multiflora led to the isolation and purification of three known flavonoid glycosides namely Luteolin 7-O-glucopyranoside, Apigenin 7-O-rutinoside and Luteolin 7-O-rutinoside whose structures were determined by 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopic studies, in particular, homo-COSY and hetero (HSQC and HMBC). Conclusion: The results show a methanolic extract of Z. multiflora is a rich source of flavonoids and triterpenoids.

Background: Carotenoids are pigments with important physiological effects in the human body that are involved in strengthening the immune system and reducing the risk of many diseases, including cancer. Objective: With regard to the importance of these substances and the high content of them in carrots (Daucus carota L. ), and in order to identify the most suitable geographical area for obtaining the products with the highest levels of these compounds, the present study was carried out. Methods: Samples were collected and investigated from six major carrot cultivation regions, located in Khuzestan and Isfahan provinces. The effects of climate changes on the amount of these substances were also studied. The extracts were prepared from the samples and the experiments were performed by spectrophotometric method at 663, 645, 480 and 436 nm wavelength, repectively. Results: The highest mean of total chlorophyll content in leaves (1. 42 mg/g) and total carotenoids (54. 62 μ g/g) and beta-carotene (24. 97 μ g/g) in plant roots were related to Andimeshk in Khuzestan province, and the lowest amounts of them was related to Dastgerd in Isfahan province with average of 0. 61 mg/g, 18. 72 μ g/g and 1. 98 μ g/g, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that in Khuzestan province, parameters such as temperature (23. 5-25 ° C), relative humidity (49. 5-58 percent) and rainfall (260-570 mm/year) had better conditions for carrot metabolic activity and consequently having caused a significant increase in carotenoids and beta carotene in this plant product.

Background: Mahneshan County, with an area of 2815 km2, located west of Zanjan province, is the most prosperous and pristine regions. The county is rich in Plant biodiversity due to its plains and highlands, diverse habitats and proper soil and water resources. A significant proportion of its herbs have medicinal properties, including the treatment of gastro-intestinal disorders, which have not yet been carefully studied. Objective: identification of medicinal plants and their traditional applications in treatment of gastro-intestinal diseases. Methods: After a preliminary stydy of the region the plant species were collected during 2017-2018. Simultaneously interviewning with indigenous knowledgeable people about the medicinal plants used in treatment of gastro-intestinal disorders were carried out. After their scientific identification, all information about Persian name, local name, part used, method of application and their medicinal properties were gathered. Results: As the results, 88 species of medicinal plant belonging to 30 families are used for the treatment of gastro-intestinal diseases. The families of Lamiaceae with 16, Asteraceae with 15, Apiaceae and Fabaceae with 7 species are the most important ones, which are commonly used as brewed and boiled. Conclusion: Considering the historical background of the county, this study could be an introduction for a better and more scientific use of medicinal plants in the region. Scientific planned usage of medicinal plants can help the plant's genetic reservoir and also development the local employment through fewer side effects and more effective by-products.

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most important causes of nosocomial infections, especially wound infection after surgery. One of the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae strains, especially ciprofloxacin, is the presence of efflux pump. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-efflux activity of Grammosciadium platycarpum Boiss. & Hausskn. extract on the expression of oqxA efflux pump in K. pneumoniae strains which were resistant to antibiotics. Methods: In this experimental study, clinical specimens were collected from hospitals in Tehran and the K. pneumoniae strains were isolated. Subsequently, ciprofloxacin-resistant strains containing the oqxA efflux gene were detected using PCR. Finally, the gene expression of oqxA efflux pump in the strains treated with G. platycarpum extract was investigated using Real Time PCR. Results: In this study, 50 K. pneumoniae strains were isolated from clinical specimens and the results of antibiotic susceptibility showed that 70% (35 strains) of isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and oqxA gene was observed in 43% (15 strains) of ciprofloxacin resistant K. pneumoniae strains. Moreover, Real Time PCR results showed that the expression of oqxA gene in the strains which are treated with extract, down-regulated significantly. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the G. platycarpum extract can inhibits the expression of the oqxA efflux pump in K. pneumoniae strains, and with further studies, the G. platycarpum extract can be used as a candidate for the drug design.

Background: Burn is the fourth most prevalent trauma around the world that many people are affected by it every year. One of the common methods of healing burn wounds is the use of Silver sulfadiazine cream 1%, the most important complication of which is the delay in healing of the wound. Objective: This study was done in order to identify and evaluate effective drugs in the treatment of burn wounds, in which the effect of chamomile cream and Silver sulfadiazine cream 1% on second-degree burn wound healing was compared. Methods: This triple-blind clinical trial was performed in Isfahan Burning Incidence Clinic. In this study, 67 patients with the inclusion criteria, with had second-degree burn wounds with an extended range of 1-10%, were randomly assigned to two groups, among whom, 34 patients with chamomile cream and 33 patients with Silver sulfadiazine cream were treated daily up to the time of healing the burn wounds. The duration of healing was evaluated according to a checklist. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software and the statistical tests of Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, independent t-test, and Fisher tests. Results: Data analysis showed that the mean healing time for wound healing in the treatment group with chamomile cream was 6. 26 ± 0. 96 day, and 10. 42 ± 1. 48 day in the Silver sulfadiazine group. Which, There was a significant difference between two groups (P < 0. 001). Conclusion: Regarding the complication of Silver sulfadiazine cream 1% such as delayed wound healing and wound color change, Chamomile cream can be suggested as a natural alternative therapy in the treatment of superficial second-degree burns.

Background: Antioxidants are molecules which able to control free radicals and prevent the oxidants of other molecules considering undesirable effects of synthetic anti oxidant. In recent years using of natural anti oxidant gets the great importance. The secondary metabolisms of plants are rich sources of phenol and flavonoids considered as the most important natural antioxidant. Objective: In this research, the optimization process of phenolic and flavonoids from Adiantum capillus-veneris L. carried out by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and central composite design (CCD). Methods: Optimization process were performed with four indepent variables including, plant powder (0. 1-0. 9 g), volume of solvent (5-17 ml), sonication time (5– 25 min) and temperature of ultrassonic bath (20-60 º C) on five levels including 26 test with 2 repetition on central point. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content, respectively, were accounted by using foline-ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric method. Results: At optimum conditions values of variables set at 0. 7 g of plant powder, 16 ml of extraction solvent, 20 min for ultrasound waves and 40 º C for ultrasonic bath. Conclusion: The results show that the quadratic mathematical model has acted with high accuracy to predict the optimal values of the studied parameters. Under these conditions, the extraction efficiencies for total phenol and flavonoid compounds were 9. 46 mg/g and 5. 22 mg/g, respectively.