Journal of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences
Year:2009 | Volume:10 | Issue:4 (SUPPL 1 COMPLIMENTARY MEDICINE)|Papers Count:14

Background and aim: Fibrosarcoma is a tumor with mesenchymal cell origin that is composed of malignant fibroblastic cell in a collagen background. Specific treatments for fibrosarcoma, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery have many complications for patients. Anti-tumor properties of lycopene have been proved in some types of cancers. In this study we aimed to carry out a research to investigate the effect of tomato extract on the growth of WEHI-164 fibrosarcoma cell in Balb/c mice. Methods: Three groups of 10 male Balb/c mice at 8 weeks of age were selected. All three groups were subcutaneously injected with 500000 WEHI-164 tumor cells on day zero in the chest area of the animals. Mice in prevention group were given tomato juice orally, 5 mg/mouse/day for a period of 4 weeks (2 weeks before and 2 week after tumor cell injection). In treatment group, animals were given tomato extract from the day of tumor cell injection (day 0) to two weeks after. Control group did not receive tomato extract. In every individual mouse, the tumor size was measured every 2 days from day 10 (days 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22). Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Result: The tumor area in control group were significantly larger than two case groups (P<0.05). No significant difference was shown between prevention and treatment groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: With emphasize on anti-tumor effect of tomato, it seems that tomato extract has important role in prevention and control of fibrosarcoma. Since we did not find any differences between treatment and prevention groups to control fibrosarcoma, we recommend further study with different doses of tomato and other types of cancers.

Background and aim: Drug researchers believe that pain relief medicines, because of their side effects and in some cases because of their inabilities are not useful. Therefore, it is necessary to do more research to find out new antinociceptive drugs. In the present study, antinociceptive effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Mentha pulegium leave has been evaluated in male rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male wistar rats, in the weight range of 220- 230 g were used. Antinociceptive response was evaluated by formalin test in five groups of 8 animals. Three experimental groups received 3 different doses of hydro alcoholic extract from the leaves of Mentha pulegium (400, 800, 1600 mg/kg, respectively). Sham group received distilled water and formalin only and the control group received no drugs. The extracts were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.), 15 minutes before the formalin test. Minutes 0-5 and 15-60 were designated as the acute and chronic phase of pain, respectively. After recording behavioral responses, the average pain scores in experimental groups and control group were statistically evaluated using t-test and Tukey’s test. Results: A significant difference was seen in mean pain scores between 3 experimental groups in the acute stage of formalin test. In the chronic stage, the only significant difference was seen between the experimental group which had been received 1600 mg/kg Mentha pulegium and two other groups (sham and control group) (P<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of this research, the hydro-alcoholic extract of the leaves of Mentha pulegium reduces the pain in the acute stage more than chronic stage. However, more research is needed to find out the effective antinociceptive compounds in Mentha pulegium.

Background and aims: Cupping is method in traditional medicine which is used to treat some diseases. Therfore physicians need to have some information about this way of treatment. The aim of this study was to determine knowledge and attitude of physicians about cupping in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province. Methods: In this descriptive and analytical study, 152 employed physicians were selected by systematic sampling. Physicians were asked to fill an author made questionnaire in which their demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitude were asked. Data were analyzed using statistical tests include t test, spearman correlation and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: 51.3% of physicians were female and others were male. The average age of physicians was 33.9±6. Sixteen percent of the participants had good knowledge for cupping and positive attitude for cupping was seen in 18% of total physicians. No significant relationship was seen between physicians' knowledge and their age, sex and working place (P>0.05). The knowledge of specialist for the cupping was the same as general physicians (P>0.05). We found a significant difference between attitude and employment situation (P<0.001). Spearman test showed a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude (P<0.05). Conclusion: Patients normally expect that their physicians have enough knowledge about the cupping, but our study showed that it is not the case. So, it is necessary for the physicians to increase their knowledge about the cupping and also for the academic centers to revise their educational topics.

Background and aim: Preoperative anxiety is a common problem in patients before surgery which can be dangerous if does not be managed well. To reduce preoperative anxiety, anesthesiologists prescribe some synthetic premedication drugs for their patients. It has been shown that herbal medicine can have anxiolytic and sedative effects. In this study we aimed to compare the effect of Citrus aurantium and diazepam on preoperative anxiety. Method: In this double blind randomized clinical trial study, we selected 60 patients, aged between 14-48 years who were scheduled for elective surgery. Patients were randomly divided in two equal groups (Groups A and B). Patients in group A received 100 cc Citrus aurantium and patients in group B received diazepam (a pill of 5mg in 100 cc water) 2 hours before surgury. Anxiety scores, blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate (PR) were evaluated in two groups directly before and also two hours after premedication. Data were analyzed using c2 and paired t-tests. Results: There was a significant reduction in preoperative anxiety after premedication with Citrus aurantium (from 24.23±10.18 to 21.53±11.45) or diazepam (from 27.68±8.11 to 24.68±7.94). This reduction was equal in two groups. No significant difference was shown in BP and PR between two groups before and after premedication. Conclusion: Our data suggest that Citrous aurantium can be used to reduce preoperative anxiety.

Background and aim: Most of synthetic drugs show different side effects, that is why in recent decade most researchers have focused on the use of herbal drugs to cure diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate anti-inflammatory and anti nociceptive effects of hydro alcoholic extract of Apium graveolens (A.g.). Methods: In this experimental research, 84 NMRI male mice were divided in 7 groups based on inflammation test: first group were Sham. The second group, positive control group, received dexamethasone (15 mg/kg) and the other 5 groups received different doses of hydro-alcoholic extract of Apium graveolens (A.g.) (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg, respectively). The inflammation was caused by xylene-induced ear oedema. In order to evaluate the antinocicetive effent of Apium graveolens, we used formalin test. In formalin test, mice were divided into 7 groups: sham, morphine (10 mg/kg), as positive control group, and A.g. extract groups (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg). All drugs were administrated intraperitonally (i.p.), 15 min before test. The data were analyzed by use of one-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s test was then conducted. Results: The results indicated that A.g. extract had anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects. The optimal anti-inflammatory activity was at 400 mg/kg dose of extract (P<0.01) and the optimal antinociceptive effect was at 300 mg/kg dose of extract (P<0.01) in 1st and 2nd phase of formalin test. Conclusion: It has been shown that the A.g. extract contains volatile oils, flavenoids and resins. Therefore, it could be suggested that the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of this plant are due to these compounds.

Background: Escherichia coli O157:H7 is one of the most important agents causing intestinal diseases. It is transmitted usually by contaminated food and particularly meat beef. Since chemically synthesized drugs have been shown to have undesirable side effects, in recent years, it is recommended to use natural materials for controlling and treatment of different kinds of infection. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial effects of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Scrophularia striata on Escherichia coli O157:H7. Methods: In this experimental study, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Scrophularia striata were collected and their antibacterial activities on Ecoli O157:H7 were tested using the agar-diffusion method. Subsequently, using macro-dilution method, both minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extract were tested against the bacterium. Amikacin (30µg) was used as an antimicrobial reference. Results: It was shown that the growth of Ecoli O157:H7 in-vitro was inhibited by the ethanolic extract of Scrophularia striata in both the agar-diffusion and macro-dilution methods. However, its aqueous extract was not effective against the bacterium. The amount of MIC and MBC of the extract were 90 and 100 mg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The results showed that Scrophularia striata has antibacterial effects on Ecoli O157:H7. Thus, more investigation need to be done for the purification, identification, and quantification of active components presented in the ethanolic extract of Scrophularia striata.

Background and aim: Cough is a normal mechanism of respiratory system that clears the tracheobronchial tree from respiratory secretions and foreign bodies. It sometimes causes discomforts and problems in social activity of the people. One of the reasons of cough is acute bronchitis that causes inflammation of respiratory tract and persists for a few weeks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the combination effect of Zingeber and Althea officinalis to cure cough in acute bronchitis. Method: In this double blind clinical trial study, we selected 60 patients who have been suffering from acute bronchitis following respiratory infections. They were divided into two groups by using a simple random sampling method. Beside their routine medications, one group (case group) was given 15 drops of both Zingeber (300 mg) and Althea officinalis (40 mg) hydro-alcoholic extracts, every 6 hours for 10 days. The second group (control group), was given placebo. After 10 days, all patients were evaluated by a questionnaire, designed by the authors, for the number of cough, night cough scores, chest pain, myalgia and retrosternal pain. Data were statistically analyzed by using t-test, c2 and McNemar's tests. Result: A significant reduction was seen in the number of cough in both case and control groups (80% and 60%, respectively). Chest pain reports were 7.2% in case group, compared to 50% in control group (P<0.05). No significant difference was seen in muscular pain and bone pain between two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Hydro-alcoholic extracts of Althea offisinalis and Zingeber decrease inflammation in patient with acute bronchitis and decrease cough and acute tracheitis-induced chest pain.

Background and aim: An imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defense system causes oxidative stress which can create different diseases. This study has attempted to measure the possible effect of pomegranate juice (PJ) as an antioxidant on oxidative stress. Method: This semi experimental study was performed on 30 girl students, 15-17 years old. They were asked to complete a questionnaire based on study criteria and then were asked to drink 100 ml of PJ per day for 14 days. The oxidative stress parameters (total antioxidant capacity, total thiol and lipid peroxidation levels) were measured before and 14 days after using the PJ. Paired t-test was used for data analysis. Results: The students showed a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation (11.3±5.93 versus 6.4±3.3, P<0.01). The total serum antioxidant capacity (1.95±0.36 versus 2.26±0.54) and total serum-thiols (0.3±0.19 versus 0.43±0.27) were also significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusion: PJ has a remarkable antioxidant characteristic, and due to its poly-phenolic flavenoids has antioxidant characteristic and reduces oxidative stress.

Background and aim: Flavonoids constitute a large group of polyphenolic compounds that are found in fruits, vegetables, chocolate, coffee, tea and wine. Consumption of foods rich in flavonoids is associated with a reduced risk of various heart diseases. This experiment was performed to study the antihyperlipidemic effect of Kelussia odoratissima Mozaffarian (KOM) extract in mice. Methods: 70 Balb/c mice were divided into 5 groups of 14 animals as follows: group1 (normal diet), group2 (normal diet+olive oil), group3 (high cholesterol diet+olive oil), group 4 (high cholesterol diet+olive oil+10% KOM extract) and group5 (high cholesterol diet+olive oil+20% KOM extract). Lipid profiles (triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and VLDL) and FBS were determined after 2 weeks of extract consumption. The data were analyzed with SPSS software (version 15) and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Following two weeks administration of KOM extract on mice, we found a significant reduction in blood lipid levels and FBS by using 10% KOM extract (P<0.05). KOM extract (20%) caused a significant reduction in the total cholesterol, LDL and HDL levels and the other factors were not changed (P<0.05). Conclusion: KOM may be beneficial in reduction of lipid profiles.

Background and aim: Trans fatty acids (TFAs), unsaturated fatty acids with at least one double bond in the trans configuration, are naturally present in animal fats or formed during the processing of fats or oils. TFAs consumptions are associated with some diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, asthma and allergies, infertility etc. Essentially, TFAs are unsaturated fatty acids that act more like saturated fatty acids. Food and Drug Administration (FAD) has recommended that TFAs intake should be reduced to less than 1% of energy intake. The aim of this study was to compare the amount of fatty acids with emphasis on TFAs of ghee (animal oil) and olive oil. Methods: Two different commercial samples of olive oil and ghee were transformed into methyl ester and analysis of fatty acid methyl esters were performed by gas chromatography (GC) with 60 meter capillary column and flame ionization detector (1m lit injected to GC). Results: Total TFAs in ghee samples, that is, linoleic acid and elaidic acid were 8.5±0.15 and 8.26±0.67 g/100g fat; and in olive oil samples were 5.5±0.68 and 2.1±0.2 g/100g fat, respectively. Total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in ghee samples were 56.0±4.14 and 58.9±0.85 g/100g fat; and in olive oil samples were 17.6±0.69 and 15.2±1.02 g/100g fat, respectively. Total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in ghee samples were 24.8±0.85 and 22.6±1.46 g/100g fat; and in olive oil samples were 65.9±3.39 and 67.1±1.06 g/100g fat, respectively. Total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in ghee samples were 6.9±1.45 and 8.8±0.17 g/100g fat; and in olive oil samples were 10.6±0.35 and 14.0±0.96 g/100g fat, respectively.Conclusion: Ghee contains high percentage of saturated fatty acids including short-chain fatty acids. Olive oil has low percentage of trans and saturated fatty acids and it is free of short-chain fatty acids but contains high percentage of MUFAs. Amounts of TFAs in Ghee samples were higher than olive oil samples.

Background and aim: Fibrosarcoma is a tumor with the mesenchymal cell origin that is composed of malignant fibroblastic cell in a collagen background. Specific treatments for cancer such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery have many complications for patients. Royal Jelly is a substance that appears to be effective on immune system. According to the properties of royal jelly, it seems to be effective on both prevention and growth of fibrosarcoma cell. In this study, we aimed to carry out a research to investigate the effect of royal jelly on the growth of WEHI-164 fibrosarcoma cell in singenic Balb/c mice. Methods: Four groups of 7 Balb/c mice from same sex and age were selected. All Four groups were subcutaneously injected with WEHI-164 tumor cell on the day zero in the chest area of the animal. Each test group (group 1-3) was orally given 300, 200 and 100 mg/kg of royal jelly respectively, but control group was not received royal jelly. In every individual mouse, the tumour size was measured every 2 days from day 5 (days 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17). Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney-U tests. Result: Our results showed that the mean size of tumor in case group was significantly smaller than the control group in days 11, 13, 15 and 17 (P<0.05). No metastasis was seen in test and control groups. Conclusion: With emphasize on anti tumor effect of royal jelly, it seems that royal jelly has important role in control and regression of fibrosarcoma cells. Since royal jelly showed a delayed effect in control of fibrosarcoma, we suggest that royal jelly be used at least 10 days before tumor inoculation.

Background and aim: Flavonoids constitute a large group of polyphenolic compounds and have been shown to reduce risk of various heart diseases. KOM is a plant which contains flavonoids. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to figure out the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of KOM in patients, on lovastatin treatment. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 74 patients referred to internal clinic of Hajar hospital in Shahrekord, Iran, were divided randomly into two groups. Control group was given lovostatin (40 mg/day) and case group was given lovostatin (40 mg/day) and 2gr KOM powder. The levels of serum lipids (including triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL) and FBS were determined in both groups at the beginning, 2 weeks and one month after starting day of the experiment. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA. Results: A significant reduction was observed in cholesterol, TG, LDL and VLDL levels of patients (P<0.001). However, this reduction was not significant in two groups (P>0.05). The HDL level was increased following KOM usage (P<0.05), but it was reduced in control group (P<0.05). LDL/HDL was reduced in both groups (P<0.001). The level of FBS was not significantly changed during the study. Conclusion: Consumption of KOM may have beneficial effect on hyperlipidemic patients by enhancing serum levels of HDL.