Anethole, a medicinal plant compound, decreases the production of pro-inflammatory TNF-alpha and IL[-1]beta in a rat model of LPS-induced periodontitis

Periodontitis [PD] is known to be one of most prevalent worldwide chronic inflammatory diseases. There are several treatments including antibiotics for PD; however, since drug resistance is an increasing problem, new drugs particularly derived from plants with fewer side effects are required. The effects of trans-anethole on IL[-1] beta and TNF-alpha level in a rat model of PD were investigated and compared to ketoprofen. Eschericia coli lipopolysaccharide [LPS, 30 microg] was injected bilaterally into the palatal gingiva [3 microL/site] between the upper first and second molars every two days for 10 days in anesthetized rats. Administration of either trans-anethole [10 or 50 mg/Kg, i.p.] or ketoprofen [10 mg/Kg, i.p.] was started 20 minute before LPS injection and continued for 10 days. Then, IL[-1]beta and TNF-alpha levels were measured in blood samples by ELISA at day 0 [control] and at day 10. Anethole at both concentrations significantly suppressed IL[-1]beta and TNF-alpha production when compared to LPS-treated rats. The suppressive effects of anethole on LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines were almost similar as seen with ketoprofen. In conclusion, the present results suggest that anethole may have a potent inhibitory effect on PD through suppression of pro-inflammatory molecules; therefore it could be a novel therapeutic strategy for PD

Probiotic yogurt affects Pro- and anti-inflammatory factors in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is an irregular response of immune system accompanied with different inflammatory manifestations including alterations in cytokines. Probiotics are non-pathogenic organisms with probable effects in various conditions such as inflammation. The present study hypothesized whether oral intake of bifidobacterium and lactobacillus in form of probiotic yogurt may represent an immunomodulatory effect in IBD patients. Overally, 210 patients in remission phase and 95 healthy people were recruited. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of either 250 grams of probiotic yogurt [PI] or 250 grams of plain yogurt [PC] daily for 8 weeks. The healthy control group [HG] also received probiotic yogurt as noted. The serum levels of cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta, IL-10 and CRP levels were measured at baseline and at termination time. A significant difference was observed between intervention groups of PI and PC with HG group [p < 0.05]. After the intervention, serum levels of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and CRP were significantly decreased in PI group compared to their baseline values and intervention groups. The serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 increased significantly after the intervention compared to baseline values and PC levels [all p-values < 0.05]. Intestinal homeostasis is a balance between pro and anti-inflammatory responses of intestinal immunocytes and could be maintained by probiotics

Inhibitory effect of black and red pepper and thyme extracts and essential oils on enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli and DNase activity of Staphylococcus aureus

In this study, extracts and essential oils of Black and Red pepper and Thyme were tested for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus. Black and Red pepper and Thyme were provided from Iranian agricultural researches center. 2 g of each plant powder was added to 10 cc ethanol 96 degrees. After 24 h, the crude extract was separated as an alcoholic extract and concentrated by distillation method. Plants were examined for determining their major component and essential oils were separated. Phytochemical analyses were done for detection of some effective substances in extracts. The antibacterial activity against. Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus was tested and the results showed that all extracts and essential oils were effective and essential oils were more active. The extracts and oils that showed antimicrobial activity were later tested to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Dilution [MID] for those bacteria. They were also effective on the inhibition of DNase activity. This study was indicated that extracts and essential oils of Black and Red pepper and Thyme can play a significant role in inhibition of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus

Analgesic effects of methanolic extracts of the leaf or root of Moringa oleifera on complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats / 中西医结合学报

Moringa oleifera (family Moringaceae) has been widely used in African folk medicine, and researchers have recently revealed its anti-inflammatory effects in human. This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic properties of methanolic extracts of M. oleifera in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats.

[Protective effect of walnut [juglans regia L.] extract against CCI[4] - induced hepatotoxicity in rats]

Walnut [Juglans regia L.] is widely distributed all over the world. Dry seeds, [nuts], as well as green walnuts, shells, bark, green husks [epicarps] and leaves, have all been used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. In the present study, hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic extract of walnut leaves was investigated against carbon tetrachloride [CCl [4]] induced liver damage in rats. This experimental study was done on 36 rats divided into six groups. Adult male rats were orally administered different doses of walnut extract [50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg bw/daily] along with CCl [4] [50% CCl [4], in olive oil, 1 ml/kg, intrapertioneally] twice a week for 28 consecutive days. Biochemical parameters like alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase and total protein levels in the serum were determined. Statistical analysis was carried out using ANOVA test. Administration of CCl [4] increased the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase [p<0.01]. Treatment with the ethanolic extract of walnut leaves significantly decreased the above parameters [p<0.01]. Ethanolic extract of walnut leaves could protect liver against the CCl [4]-induced oxidative damage in rats, and this hepatoprotective effect might be due to modulation of toxic and oxidant enzymes and also to the scavenger effect on free radicals

Anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Achillea santolina and Stachys athorecalyx extracts on complete Freund's adjuvant-induced short-term inflammation in male wistar rats

Immune system is involved in the etiology and path physiologic mechanisms of inflammation. Medicinal plants are an important source of substances which are claimed to induce nonspecific immune modulator effects. Given the above information and the role of IL-6 in inflammation and pain induction, this study investigated the effects of Achillea santolina and Stachys athorecalyx methanolic and defatted extracts on cmpiete Freund-s adjuvant [CFA] -induced short term inflammation in male Wistar rats. Inflammation was induced on day zero by CFA injection in hind paw of rats. Methanolic and defatted extractions were prepared form aerial parts of both plants. 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of extracts were selected for IP treatment during 6 days after CFA injection. Results indicated dose related effects of A. santolina and S. athorecalyx extracts on edema, hyperalgesia and serum IL-6 level during inflammation. Although, both methanolic and defatted extracts of S. athorecalyx showed a significant reduction in the inflammatory symptoms, no significant differences was observed between these two kinds of extracts of S. athorecalyx with respect to their anti inflammatory effects. Only methanolic extract of A. santolina was effective during CFA-induced inflammation. These results could suggest that short-term administration of A. santolina and S. athorecalyx extracts possess potent anti-inflammatory effects and modulate paw edema, hyperalgesia and serum IL-6 level during CFA-induced inflammation. In addition, these dose-dependent effects may mediate via different extract supplements which need more investigations

Achillea santolina reduces serum interleukin-6 level and hyperalgesia during complete Freund's adjuvant-induced inflammation in male Wistar rats / 中西医结合学报

Immune system is involved in the etiology and pathophysiologic mechanisms of inflammation. Medicinal plants are an important source of substances which are claimed to induce non-specific immunomodulatory effects. In view of this and on account of the interleukin (IL)-6's role in inflammation and pain induction, this study investigated the effects of Achillea santolina extracts on inflammation which was induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in male Wistar rats.