Synthesis of widespread types of nanoparticles including metal oxides by plant extract is considered as alternative chemical synthesis methods. ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized by a biological process using flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum L.) extract. The biosynthesized ZnO NPs were characterized by XRD and SEM, EDX, DLS spectroscopy. According to the SEM images, the synthesized nanoparticles are spherical shape with agglomeration and based on XRD, average crystallite size of the ZnO NPs is 15.45 nm.

Introduction: The antimicrobial properties of cyanobacteria was recently highlighted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity and antiviral properties of cyanobacteria collected from oil-polluted areas of southern Iran.Methods: In the present study, Aqueous and methanolic extracts of five species of cyanobacteria were prepared. Cytotoxic effects of cyanobacteria on (lymphoblast cell line) LCL and Hela cell lines were evaluated. Using MTT assay and medium only served as a negative control group. Hela and LCL cells also infected by human papilloma virus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) respectively and were exposed to the cyanobacteria extracts to examine the anti-viral effects of extracts. DNA was extracted and the viral gene encoding envelope was also carried out by PCR. The samples were assessed in order to examine that viruses are capable of successfully infecting and lysing embedded colonies. The data were analyzed using Two-way ANOVA tests.Results: The results indicated that cyanobacteria extract had cytotoxic effects on LCL and HeLa cell lines. In addition viral load gene was significantly decreased in treated cells.Conclusion: According to the significant antiviral effects of alcoholic and Aqueous extracts of cyanobacteria. These extracts may used for a variety of viral therapies.

Introduction: In order to scrutinize the anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory agents, many research groups have focused their works on the field of immunopharmacology. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the immunopharmacological activity of Aqueous root extract of Santalum album against Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).Methods: Variable doses of Aqueous root extract of Santalum album (0.5-30 mg/ml, 50 μl) were prepared using phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and tested for proliferation assay, nitric oxide production and CD14 monocyte surface marker using flow cytometry.Results: Aqueous root extract of Santalum album inhibited proliferation, nitric oxide production and CD14 monocyte surface marker at higher doses.Conclusion: Aqueous root extract of Santalum album possesses both anti-inflammatory as well as antiviral activities and might be used for these purposes.

Background and purpose: Most women consider menopausal symptoms as natural period in their life. Many of them experienced some problems before and after the condition. There are many side effects of hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms.In different regions with various diet regimens, menopausal symptoms are different. Glycyhrhza glabra has constituents with estrogen like activity. In this study for the first time Aqueous Glycyrrhza glabra extract was evaluated for decreasing menopausal symptoms.Materials and Methods: Aqueous Glycyrrhza glabra extract prepared by maceration method. The extract was concentrated and then powdered. The powder used as 250 mg capsule and standardized by glycyrrhizha content. After matching for age, menopausal age and BMI, 29 and 24 women were allocated in case and control groups respectively. Three 250 mg capsules were prescribed per day to women in case group and women in control group received placebo.The mean number of hot flashes and degree of menopausal symptoms, KI (Kupperman Index) were calculated every two weeks and classified as; without symptom, weak, medium and severs. Data were analyzed using T-test and the effects of drug on hot flash and KI were assessed in different weeks.Results: The mean age and menopausal age were 50.5± and 48± respectively. Results showed that the mean numbers of hot flashes, KI and FSH decreased significantly in case group but they were not significant in control group. Also estradiol hormone increased significantly in case group. Conclusion: Aqueous Glycyrrhza glabra affects hot flash and KI and is a simple and cheap drug for menopausal symptoms without any side effects.