[Antibacterial effects of scrophularia striata extract on pseudomonas aeruginosa]

Scropholaria striata Boiss. From Scropholariaceae [Teshnehdari in folklore of Ilam Province, Iran] is used for treatment of infectious disease of urinary tract especially in females. In this research for finding of the most effective part of the plant, crude extract of the aerial parts of S. striata and its different fractions was investigated on the 50 resistant strains of Psudomonas aeroginosa. Crude extract of the plant and its various fractions [chloroform, methanol and water] were prepared. Bacterial strains were collected from 3 hospitals and 50 resistant strains were isolated from the culture medium containing various antibiotics. Efficacy of the all fractions was investigated on these resistant bacterial strains. Water and methanol fractions of the plant were showed more antibacterial activity on 50 resistant strains of P. aeroginosa than crude extract [p=0.0001 and p=0.001 respectively] and water fraction was showed stronger effect than methanol fraction [p=0.001]. Chloroform fraction of the plant had no antibacterial activity on this resistant strain. The results of this study showed that the water extract of Scropholaria striata can be used as a remedy for the treatment of the infections caused by Psudomonas aeroginosa

Quality control of Nepeta menthoides Boiss and Buhse using micromorphological analysis and phytochemical screening

Nepeta menthoides Boiss and Buhse is a species from Lamiaceae family. It is used as a herbal medicine with common name "Ostokhodus" in Iranian traditional and folk medicine but there is not enough information about its quality and quantity control methods. In this study we use micromorphological and phytochemical evaluations for qualitative and quantitative control of N. menthoides powder. Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, phytochemical screening and flavonol quantification were done on N. menthoides powder. Results showed that all of these assessments can use as quality control parameters for authentication of N. menthoides, particularly micromorphological specifications. Our study shows the importance of micromorphological evaluation in authentication of this herbal medicine but further investigations are needed to complete these data

Cytotoxicity of two species of Glaucium from Iran

Numerous molecules in Papaveraceae family display interesting cytotoxic activities against tumor cell lines in vitro and hints of anticancer activities in vivo have been reported in a few cases. Numerous molecules in this family display interesting cytotoxic activities against tumor cell lines in vitro and hints of anticancer activities in vivo have been reported in a few cases. In this study we evaluated the cytotoxic effects of total and alkaloid extracts of Glaucium flavum Crantz and Glaucium grandiflurom Boiss. andamp; Huet, the two species of this genus, on cell proliferation of HT-29, Caco-2, T47D, and NIH/3T3 cell lines by MTT method and their IC[50]s were determined. The aerial parts of G. grandiflurom and G. flavum were collected from Jajrud in Tehran Province in June 2011. The effect of total extract and alkaloid extract of then on HT-29, Ta7D, NIH/3T3 and Caco-2 cells was determined by MTT assay. Alkaloid extracts showed a moderate cytotoxic effect on the cell lines. IC[50] values confirmed that the growth and proliferation of NIH/3T3 cells were less affected in comparison to other cell lines. The effects of alkaloid extracts of both plants on human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines [HT-29, Caco-2], showed that these extracts contain certain compounds that can inhibit the proliferation of colon cancerous cells

Composition of the essential oils of thymus deanensis celak var. deanensis from different regions of Iran

Thymus deanensis is a known aromatic plant which grows widely in Iran and many mediterranean regions. In previous studies composition of essential oils of many species of Thymus genus reported which they were rich of phenols like Thymol and Carvacrol. Water distilled essential oils from aerial parts of Thymus deanensis var. deanensis from three different localities in Iran were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. 20 compounds representing 87.8% of the region of Azerbaijan Mountains [A] oil were identified with thymol [70.8%], carvacrol [6.3%] as main constituents. 13 compounds representing 98.6% of Damavand, Mosha [B] oil were identified with thymol [53.6%], carvacrol [23.8%] and p-cymene [11.0%] and then thymol [72.1%] and p-cymene [5.3%] were the major constituents of the latter oil Chaharmahal Bakhtiari [C] among the 16 compounds characterized which represented 99.6% of the oil. The composition of three samples of Th. deanensis oils in our research was similar to the composition of other phenol-rich Iranian species. Although the content of thymol in Th. deanensis is higher than many reported cultivated Thymus vulgaris

Antioxidant activity of some medicinal species using FRAP assay

Medicinal plants [especially belong to Lamiaceae family] are potential sources of new drugs to improve the treatment of diseases whose treatment is associated to anti-oxidative agents. In this paper, the Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma [FRAP] activity of some Lamiaceae and Apiaceae species, has been evaluated. Aerial parts of the plants were dried, cut into small pieces and extracted with ethyl acetate and methanol, respectively, by percolation at room temperature. Different concentrations of the plant extracts were investigated for antioxidant power using FRAP assay. The extracts showed a considerable antioxidant effect from 16.36 mmol of FeSO[4]/100 g dry plant equivalents in Scutellaria tornefortii [AcOEt extract] to 404.12 mmol of FeSO[4]/100 g dried plant in Salvia macrosiphon [MeOH extract]. All the plant samples possessed antioxidant activity, while Salvia macrosiphon [MeOH extract], Pimpinella tragioides [MeOH extract] and Salvia limbata [AcOEt extract] showed significantly the highest results and Scutellaria tornefortii [AcOEt extract] showed the lowest power. Antioxidant activity of these species might be due to the presence of flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, coumarins even monoterpenes [like myrcene] in the plant extracts

Comparison of antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents of some Persian Gulf marine algae

Marine algae, especially brown species, produce a wide range of metabolites with various biological activities. Since marine algae are rich source of dietary fibers, minerals, proteins, vitamins and phenolic components with antioxidant effect, in addition to the rule of oxidative stress in pathogenesis of chronic diseases, the aim of this study was to investigate possible antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents of three brown algae species [Sargassum swartzii, Cystoseira myrica, Colpomenia sinuosa] collected from Asaloye-Niband marine protected area of the Persian Gulf. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents of partitional fractions of Hexan, Chlorofrom [CHCL[3]], Ethylacetate [EtOAc] and Methanolic extract of the samples were studied. Total phenolic contents was measured using Folin-Ciocalteu method while ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP] assay were used to study their antioxidant activity. MeOH -H[2]O and chloroform fractions of Sargassum swartzii 12.3, 55.32 +/- 4.8 +/- were found to have the highest antioxidant activity as 73.92 0.5, 11.05 +/- mmol Fe[II] per 100 g dried plant and total phenolic contents, 12.0 0.64 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 g dried plant respectively. There was a significant Correlation [R[2]=0.999] between the antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents of MeOH-H[2]O fractions obtained from total extracts of these algae. It is recommended that these algae could be potential sources of natural antioxidants

[Herbal medicines and pediatric diseases]

Although, medicinal Plants and herbal remedies have an important usage in the treatment of several diseases, the potential herbal contributions to pediatric medicine is receiving much attention based on WHO definitions. Children have special needs and nature abounds in special plants that address these needs. The herbalist will always select remedies that have a tonic action as the core of herbal prescriptions for children. The healing capacity of children can be quite incredible and often all that is needed is a gentle herbal helping hand, rather than the stronger effects necessitate for adults. It is important to find the right balance between the appropriate use of drugs and herbs. There are times when antibiotics or surgery can be life saving. Similarly there are times when using the powerful tools of modern medicine is excessive and the desired results can be achieved using herbal medicine

Brine shrimp cytotoxicity of some medicinal plants Belongs to Lamiaceae, Asteracea, Rosaceae and Boraginaceae Families

In this report, we evaluated the cytotoxic activity of the hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous methanol extracts of the aerial parts of some species belongs to Lamiaceae, Boraginaceae, Asteraceae and Rosaceae families. In order to examine the cytotoxicity of the plant extracts, Brine Shrimp Cytotoxicity Assay was used against Artemia salina larva. Results showed that Scutellaria Tornefortii indicated cytotoxic activity against the larva of Artemia salina. The minimum lethal concentration of its aqueous methanol extract, as the most effective extract, was 6 g/ml compared to berberine hydrochloride as the positive control [LC[50]=26 microg/ml]. EtOAc extract of Rubus hyrcanus was also a potent cytotoxic extract [LC[50]=28 microg/ml]. In addition to those mentioned plants, Echium amoenum, Onosma bulbotrichum, Stachys byzanthina and Rubus discolor could be the potential sources of cytotoxic components. Some of the medicinal plants, growing widely in north part of Iran, are effective against the larvae of A. salina, so they could be a promising source of anti-cancer and anti-tumor compounds

Taxane diterpenoids from Taxus baccata L. growing in Iran

There are eight Taxus species and two hybrids in the world and Taxus baccata L. [European yew] is the single representative in Iran. Until now, a large number of taxoids possessing different skeleton systems, as well as lignans, flavonoids, steroids and sugar derivatives have been isolated from various Taxus species. Taxoids are highly oxygenated diterpenes isolated from different species of yew trees [family Taxaceae]. They have received considerable attention after the discovery of the clinical efficacy of paclitaxel against different cancers due to its remarkable inhibition of microtubules polymerization leading to apoptosis of cancer cells. This study was conducted for extraction, purification and identification of taxoids occurring in the aerial parts of Taxus baccata L. growing in Iran. The plant materials were extracted with organic solvent and after defatting, partitioning, column chromatography and thin layer chromatography steps, the obtained compounds were characterized on the basis of spectral data. Two taxane diterpenoids were isolated. The structures of these taxoids were established as 5-Cinnamoyl-10-acetyltaxicin-I and 2-Deacetyltaxinine E on the basis of spectral analysis. These two taxoids were not previously encountered in Taxus baccata L. aspecies

Isolation and quantificative analysis of oleanolic acid from Satureja mutica fisch and C.A. Mey

Satureja mutica [Lamiaceae] is an herbaceous plant which grows in North- West of Iran. Oleanolic acid has been previously isolated from some Lamiaceae genus and showed a broad range of biological activities. Besides Silphium spp., Panax quinquefolium root and Calendula officinalis flower as the interesting source of oleanolic acid used in the herbal industry, here we report the isolation and quantitative evaluation of oleanolic acid, as one of the major constituents in S. mutica. Dried aerial parts of S. mutica were successively extracted with diethyl ether. This extract was used for further isolation on silica gel column chromatography to obtain compound 1. Isolated compound was identified based on the spectral data of 1H- NMR, [13]CNMR and Mass spectroscopy. Densitometric analysis of the developed plate of TLC was carried out to quantify the oleanolic acid using TLC scanner. Isolated compound [1] was structural elucidated as oleanolic acid and its NMR data showed good agreement with the reference data mentioned in literature. Spectrodensitometric analysis showed that the band characterized by absorption maximum of oleanolic acid was placed at lambda max = 270 nm without derivatization. The contents of oleanolic acid are calculated 17.5 mg in 100 g of S. mutica leaves based on dry weight. Oleanolic acid is a ubiquitous triterpenoid in plant kingdom, medicinal herbs, and is integral part of the human diet. Densitometric analysis is the accurate, selective, and precise method which can be used for routine quality control analysis and quantitative determination of oleanolic acid in Lamiaceae plants specially Satureja species, as one of the industrial source of this compound

Comparison of antioxidant activity and total phenols of some date varieties

Date palms [Phoenix dactylifera L., Arecaceae] are one of the oldest cultivated plants which are used in folk medicine for treatment of various diseases. Due to the presence of antioxidant compounds in this plant and the role of oxidative stress in pathogenesis of chronic diseases, the aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents of date palm fruits extracts with water, methanol 50%, DMSO, and mixture of water-methanol-acetone-formic acid [20:40:40:0.1]. Antioxidant activity of extracts were measured by two tests: inhibition of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] radical and FRAP [Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power]. Among 10 different varieties which were examined, the DMSO extract of Khenizi showed the highest antioxidant activity with the FRAP value of 3279.48 micro mol/100 g of the dry plant and DPPH inhibitory percentage of 56.61%. DPPH scavenging radical and FRAP values of some varieties including Khenrizi, Sayer, Shahabi and Maktub showed a significant increase and were comparable to alpha -tocopherol [10 mg/L] when extracted by DMSO. Formic acid extract of Shahabi variety with 276.85 mg GAE/100 g of the dry plant showed the highest total phenolic content compared to other varieties. There was no correlation between accumulation of total phenol and antioxidant activity of extracts, explaining existence of other antioxiadant components in date

[Seasonal variation of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oils]

Rosmarinus officinalis L. [Rosemary] is one of the essential oil containing plants from Lamiaceae family. Rosemary is a native of the Mediterranean region of Europe and the Near East. It has been used as a food spice and as a medicine since ancient times. Today rosemary is cultivated in nearly all countries as a medicinal and ornamental plant. There are some reports about the effect of environmental conditions and genetic on rosemary essential oil. The goal of this work was to investigate the seasonal variation on rosemary essential oil composition. Aerial parts of plants were dried after collection from Evin, Tehran. Essential oils were obtained by using Clevenger type apparatus for 90 min and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Rosemary essential oil showed 52 compounds, where 31 of those were similar in different seasons, alpha -Pinene, Limonene, Camphene, Camphor, 1, 8-Cineol and Bornyl acetate were major components of rosemary oil. The content of 1, 8-Cineol was the highest in September [14.15%]. The elevated levels of alpha-Pinene and Limonen were observed in February [28.8% and 17.29% respectively]. At least in various seasons from spring to winter constituent of alpha-Pinene [18.5%, 24.7%, 20% and 28.3%], Limonene [11%, 6.1%, 8.6% and 17.3%], Camphene [7.5%, 8.3%, 7.3% and 8.1%] and Camphor [7.4%, 13.4%, 8.3% and 4.7%] were compared respectively. Except alpha-Pinene, Limonene, 1, 8-Cineol and Bornyl acetate, most of these components did not affected by seasonal change. Some of these essential oils components converted to others, thus their concentrations decreased in summer but their amounts were at the highest levels in winter

Cytotoxicity evaluation of two species from Caesalpinia genus

One of the important effects of medicinal plants is cytotoxic effect using to treat different tumors and neoplasms. A number of Caesalpinia species have previously been investigated for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, antitumor, lowering blood pressure, immunosuppressant and antioxidant effects. Cytotoxicity evaluation of Caesalpinia gilliesii [Hook.] D.Dietr. and Caesalpinia bonduc [L.] Roxb. The plants were collected from Sistan and Baluchestan region and then were identified. Brine shrimp lethality bioassay was carried out to investigate the Cytotoxicity of total extracts of plants. Extracts giving LC[50] values lower than 30 micro g/ml were considered to be cytotoxic. Chloroform fractions of methanol extract of cytotoxic plants were also subjected to brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The extracts of C. gilliesii showed moderate Cytotoxicity against brine shrimp [LC[50] between 30 and 50 mirco g/ml]. Different parts of C. bonduc showed different Cytotoxicity and the legume of this species had potent cytotoxic effect. Chloroform fraction of legume of C. bonduc showed lower Cytotoxicity than methanol extract of it. Legume of C bonduc showed potent cytotoxic effect and it could be potential sources for novel anticancer compounds. This study provides useful data for the elaborated cytotoxic bioassays with cancer cell lines

Trypanocidal activity of some medicinal plants against the epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi

Some of medicinal plants are a potential source of new drugs to improve the treatment of Chagase disease whose treatment is still a challenge. Here in this screening, the in vitro trypanocidal activity of some fractions for 16 medicinal plants, collected from the northern part of Iran, has been reported. Aerial parts of the plants were dried carefully and followed by extraction with hexane and methanol, successively, by maceration at room temperature. Different concentrations of the plant extracts in ethanol were investigated against the epimastigotes of T. cruzi. The movement of epimastigotes was observed under a microscope. We assumed that immobilized organisms were died. The negative control contained ethanol in the same proportion utilized to dissolve the drugs. Each assay was performed in duplicate together with gentian violet as a positive control Results show that hexane extracts of Rubus hyrcanus and Salvia sclerae have been observed the most activity against the epimastigotes of T. cruzi [MLC = 12.5 micro g/ml]. None of methanol fractions shows trypanocidal activity except Salvia sclerae [MLC = 50 micro g/ml]. Echium amoenum, Satureja macrantha, S. atropatana and Stachys laxa did not display activity lower than 100 micro g/ml in both hexane and methanol extracts. Some of Iranian medicinal plants [Salvia sclerae, Marrubium vulgare and Rubus hyrcanus] could be the promising source of active components against the epimastigotes of T. cruzi and need to further phytochemical and pharmacological studies

Trypanocidal activity of oil of the young leaves of Nepeta cataria L. obtained by solvent extraction

Trypanocidal activity was found in the volatile oil of the Young leaves of Nepeta cataria L. which has been extracted by diethyl ether and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Four compounds in the oil of N. cataria, representing 97.53% of the oil were identified. The oil was enriched of monoterpenes with - citral [51.95%] as the major compound. Other main compounds were - citronellol [9.03%], geraniol [4.31%] and nerol [32.24%]. Nepetalactone was not detected in that oil

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Artemisia annua L. essential oil from Iran

The composition of the essential oil obtained from the dried flowering aerial parts of Artemisia annua L. [Compositae] was analysed by GC and GC/MS. Thirty-two components were identified in the essential oil of A. annua L. with campher [48.00%], 1,8-cineole [9.39%], camphene [6.98%] and spathulenol [4.89%] as major components. The essential oil was evaluated for antibacterial and antifungal activities. The activity was more pronounced against fungal organisms than against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria

Chemical composition of the essential oil of tagetes minuta l. and its effects on anopheles stephensi larvae in Iran

There is moment more than 1 billion people who are suffer with malaria disease and each year it causes up to 2 million deaths therefore it is shown that malaria is the worlds worst health problem. The value of insecticides in malaria control is much reduced. Tagetes minuta L. is effective deterrents of numerous insect pests. Tagetes minuta L. is an annual plant, grows to the temperate grasslands and mountainous regions of southern South America, including of Argentina, Brazil and Peru. Tagetes minuta L. have a long history of human use as beverage, condiment and ornamentals as medicinal decoctions. Essential oil of T. minuta is used in perfume, food and cosmetic industries as [Tagetes Oil]. Chemical composition and antilarval effects of the essential oil of Tagetes minuta L. cultivated in Iran was investigated. In this study component of the essential oil of dried and fresh Tagetes minuta L. were investigated by GC and GC/MS and larvicidal effect of these essential oil were evaluated against Anopheles stephensi larvae s. The yield of volatile oil of dried plant was 1% and for fresh plant was 1/1%. Major constituents of the essential oil of dried plant were contained: trans-Ocimenone [19.89%], Cis-Ocimene [17.67%], dihydrotagetone [5.56%], Cis-Tagetone [5.03%], and for fresh plant contains: Cis-Ocimene [33.7%], Cis-Ocimenone [9.6%], transOcimenone [8.12%], limonene [5.5%], allocimene [5.4] and Cis-tagetone [4.95%].The effectiveness of various concentrations of total essential oil on malaria vector larvae, Anopheles stephensi were investigated and probit mortality all the parameters including LC[50] and 95% of confidence interval, LC[90] and 95% confidence interval were determined. They were: LCso: 1.3015mg/l, LC9o: 5.0719 mg/1 respectively for dried plant, the figures for fresh were: LC[50]: 1.0532 mg/1, LC[90]: 3.8311 mg/1. In this research, we studied on essential oil of T. minuta to find some natural product with less side effect on ecosystem and maximum efficacy. Result of our study showed that the essential oil of Tagetes minuta L. which was grown in Iran-Tehran [Zard - Band] had a great amount of biological effect on the larvae of Anopheles stephensi. Therefore, the essential oil of this plant offer a valuable candidate for potential development of a botanical larvicide for malaria vectors control

Para clinical studies of ethanol extract of achillea millefolium L. on electrocardiogram, cardiac enzymes and serum electrolytes in sheep

Achillea millefolium has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It has many indications including treatment of heart weakness, hypertension cerebral and coronary thrombosis in traditional system of medicine. The purpose of this study is an investigation on effects of Achillea millefolium total extract on electrocardiogram, cardiac enzymes and serum electrolytes in sheep. In this study, 12 clinically healthy sheep were divided into 2 groups of treatment and control. The treatment group were administered intravenously a total extract of Achillea millefolium in the dose of 20 mg/kg. The control group received normal saline. Base-apex electrocardiogram was recorded in 0, 5,15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after administration and blood samples were collected in 0, 2, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after administration. Serum cTnT, CK-MB, AST, Na, P, K, Ca, Mg and Cl were measured. Total extract of Achillea millefolium significantly [p<0.05] increased P amplitude after 5 and 90 minutes and S amplitude after 120 minutes; and decreased T duration after 15 minutes following administration. Achillea millefolium had no significant effect on serum enzymes and electrolytes. Regarding that Achillea millefolium extract increased cardiac contractility after 2 hours, detailed studies on the active constituents are needed which might provide new insight in cardiovascular drugs

[Isolation and identification of four sterols from Oud]

The English common name of Aqularia sinensis [Lour.] Gilg. IV. [Thymelaeaceae] is Incense Tree, which is known as Oud in Persian. Aquilaria species produce a resin-deposited part of the trunk. The species was once widely planted in Hong Kong as the raw material of incense exported to China, Southeast Asia and places as far away as Arabia. Investigation of the chemical constituents of the injured or uninjured wood of the plant can offers valuable information in order to know the bioorganic process of resin formation. Methanolic extracts of the uninjured wood of plant was used in order to isolation of sterols components. Separation and purification of the compounds was carried on silica gel column chromatography and gel permeation chromatography [GPC]. Structural elucidation of the constituents was based on the data obtained from H-NMR, 13C-NMR, HMBC, HMQC, DEPT and H-H COSY. Four sterols, stigmast-4-ene-3-one, stigmast-4-ene-3,6-dione, beta-daucosterol and beta-sitosterol were identified based on spectral data which have never been reported from this plant until now. Methanol extract of Aqularia sinensis consists of sterols, of which stigmast-4-ene-3-one, stigmast-4-ene-3, 6-dione, beta-daucosterol and beta-sitosterol [with Stigmastan skeleton] are the main compounds and is reported for the first time

[Evaluation of anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of methanol extracts of some species of Stachys and Melia]

The gram-negative bacterium Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori], identified in 1982, is now recognized as the primary etiological factor associated with the development of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. The growing problem of antibiotic resistance by the organism demands the search for novel compounds from plant based sources. The present study is aimed at evaluating the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of 10 Iranian plant extracts on clinical isolates of H. pylori. Gastric biopsy samples were obtained from patients presenting with gastroduodenal complications. H. pylori was isolated from the specimens following standard microbiology procedures. The disk diffusion method was used to determine the susceptibility of 12 isolates to methanol plant extracts [Fruit and leaves of Melia azedarach, Melia indica and aerial parts of Stachys setifera, Stachys turcomanica, Stachys trinervis, Stachys subaphylla, Stachys byzanthina, Stachys persica, Stachys inflata, Stachys laxa]. The plants tested at 8 mg/disc concentration demonstrated anti-Helicobacter pylori activity with zone diameters of inhibition ranging from 12-38 mm. Of these, Stachys setifera [aerial parts], Melia indica [Fruit] and Melia azedarach [leaves] showed the most potent anti -H. pylori activity on the isolates. Due to the rise in antibiotic resistance, new sources of anti-H. pylori drugs are needed. The use of medicinal plants may have potential benefit in eradicating such problems. According to the results of this study, further studies will be necessary to investigate the effects of other plants of Iran against H. pylori infectio