Phytochemical study of methanolic extract of ferula persica willd. inflorescence and its antinociceptive effect in male mice

Background: Nowadays treatment and control of pain is still one of problematic cases and syntetic analgesic drugs have several side effects

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the antinociceptive effects and phytochemical analysis of Ferula persica with respect to side effects of chemical drugs

Methods: The extract of plant inflorescence was prepared by percolation method. HPLC was used for phytochemical studies. In order to nociception test, male mice were used in acetic acid, immersion and formalin test. Mice were divided into experimental, control and positive control groups [receiving morphine] in each test

Results: In phytochemical analysis, four flavonoids consist of Quercetin, Luteolin, Apigenin and Rutin were identified. In all 3 pain tests, the experimental group had a significant difference with control group [P<0.05], but there was no significant difference with morphine group [P>0.05]

Conclusion: Methanolic extract of Ferula persica has antinociceptive effects, probably due to its sesquiterpenes and flavonoids

[Antimicrobial effect of some medicinal smoke, Iranian traditional medicine]

Background: Nowadays, science tries to find a way to control the pathogens in public place and health centers. The use of medicinal smokes is common in Iranian traditional medicine to improve air quality and purify air

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Herbal fume, contain frankincense, clove, sandalwood and camel grass against a variety of microorganisms

Methods: Herbal smoke include, sandalwood [Santalum album], camel grass [Cymbopogon schoenanthus], condor [Boswellia sacra] and clove [Syzygium aromaticum], against microorganisms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans, was investigated

Results: Sandalwood and camel grass fumes could inhibit C. albicans completely both in 7 minutes and inhibit B. subtilis in turn in 9 minute and 11 minute. Also they could inhibit E. coli and S. aureus in turn in 10 and 9 minute. Frankincense and clove fume had no significant effects. Mixing two plants, sandalwood and camel grass in the ratio 1:1, will enhanced the antimicrobial effects of these smoke and the inhibition time come shorter

Conclusion: According to this research, Sandalwood and camel grass smoke have significant effect. Microbes and fungi showed great sensitivity against herbal fume and the smoke expressed the possibility of industrial usage. Further research is required to identify the chemical composition of these plant smokes

Antioxidant activity, total phenol and total anthocyanin contents of Cornus sanguinea L subsp australis. [C.A. Mey.] Jav

Cornus sanguinea L subsp australis [C.A. Mey.] Jav. [Cornaceae] is a native species in north and northwest of Iran. It is locally named Siah-al. The genus Cornus is rich source of anthocyanins. In this study the antioxidant activity, total phenol and total anthocyanin contents of different extracts of C. sanguinea L subsp australis. were investigated for the first time. The fruits were extracted with ethyl acetate, methanol [1% HCl] and water. DPPH and FRAP assay were performed for investigation of antioxidant activity of each extract. The total phenols were measured by Folin-Ciocalteu method while total anthocyanins were detected by spectroscopic method modified by Peksel. The results showed that C. sanguinea L subsp australis methanol [1% HCl] extract [CME] had the highest amount of anthocyanins [12.56 +/- 0.01 micro mol/g extract] as well as the highest amount of total phenolics [88.56 +/- 0.04 mg GAE/ g dry extract]. The CME were found to have the highest antioxidant activity in DPPH assay [IC[50]=90.43 micro g/ml] and in FRAP method [1419.167 +/- 0.025mmol FeII / g dry extract]. Radical scavenger activity of CME at 100 micro g/ml was comparable with alpha -tocopherol [20 micro g/ml] and with BHA [200 micro g/ml], p>0.05. There was a significant correlation between the total phenolic content an antioxidant activity of CME as well as total anthocyanin and antioxidant activity in DPPH assay [R[2] = 0.99]. The results suggest that C. sanguinea L subsp australis is a natural sources of anthocyanin and have considerable antioxidant activity

Urinary oxalate, citrate, and gamma glutamyl transferase alterations after administration of Cynodon dactylon extract in cats

Urinary oxalate and citrate are the key factors in caox urolithiasis of cats and Gamma Glutamyl Transferase is a good test for assessment of kidney damage. Favorable effects of Cynodon dactylon on calcium oxalate stone formation have recently been proved in rats. The present study was designed to investigate the alteration of urinary oxalate, citrate, and GGT after administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of Cynodon dactylon to experimental hyperoxaluric cats. No scientific study has been done so far to demonstrate the beneficial effect of this plant in cats. 13 mature male cats were randomly divided into 3 groups: group A received standard diet and drinking water while, group B and C also received ethylene glycol at sub-toxic dose [130 mg/kg] daily for 30 days. Group C received hydroalcoholic extract of C.dactylon [400 mg/kg] from day 0 to 30, as well. Urine samples were collected on days 0, 15, and 30 and were analyzed for oxalate, citrate, and GGT levels. Urine oxalate level in group B was significantly higher than group C on days 15 and 30. Urinary citrate excretion was significantly higher in group C compared to the other groups on day 15; however, it decreased during the entire experiment in groups B and C. Urinary Gamma Glutamyl Transferase level was increased in hyperoxaluric cats and decreased in the treated group during the experiment. Based on our results, C.dactylon extract could reduce the hyperoxaluria and has beneficial effects on preventing the renal damage in cats. Such findings provide a scientific explanation for applying C.dactylon in prevention and possible treatment of CaOx kidney stones in cats and humans

[Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of hydroalchoholic extract of anethum graveolens L. seed]

There are many reports about anti-inflammatory effect of Anethum graveolens L.[A.g] in Iranian traditional medicine. In current decade, based on using of neutriceuticales for healing, the use of herbal drugs became very common. In this study, regarding the mentioned purposes, we have evaluated anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of Hydroalchoholic Extract of A.g seeds. In this research, male mice were used and in inflammatory test they were divided to 6 groups: control, dexamethasone [15 mg/kg], seed A.g. extract [100,200, 400,500mg/kg]. All of the drugs were administered intraperitonally. The inflammation was caused by xylene-induced ear oedema. In order to evaluate the antinocicetive of Anethum graveolens L. seed, we used formalin test. Mice were divided to 6 groups: control, seed A.g. extract [100,200, 400, 500 mg/kg]. All of drugs were administered intraperitonally. The results indicated that A.g. extract has anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects. This study suggests A.g extract as a candidate for pain relieving for further studies

ethnopharmacological study on antibacterial activity of some selected plants used in Iranian traditional medicine

Iran is a land of great heritage of ancient medical scholars. Herbal medicines, as a basement of treatment of diseases have been clearly described in the medical texts of these scholars including Rhazes, Avicenna, and others. Numerous plants are introduced in these texts to treat those diseases likely to be infective ones. Few attempts have been made to evaluate ethnopharmacological aspects of these plants. In the present study selected specimens of plants described in ancient Iranian medical texts to treat infective conditions were evaluated for antibacterial activity. The hypothesis of this study was that the plants described in the ancient medical texts possess antibacterial properties. In this study, ten specimens of these plants were selected from various texts. Their scientific terminologies were prepared based on various respected sources. The antibacterial activity of hydroalcoholic extracts of these herbs, as well as their MICs and MBCs were evaluated according to standard techniques. Results of this study showed that almost all of 10 specimens showed considerable antibacterial activity. The MIC and MBC of some herbs showed strong activity against gram positive and gram negative microorganisms. MICs and MBCs of Heracleum persicum and antibacterial activity of Zea mays are reported for the first time in this study. The antibacterial activity of the selected plants supports their old uses as anti-infective agents. The results of this survey also showed antibacterial activity of Arnebia euchroma [Royle] Johst. and Teucrium polium L. traditionally used as poultice for infective wounds. H. persicumi traditionally used in Iran as spice can play a valuable role in preventing food poisoning. The data of this study supported the importance of ethnopharmacological approach and opened also the new doors to future researches in this field

[Prevalence of allergy to natural rubber latex and potential cross reacting food in operation room staff in Shiraz hospitals-2006]

Allergic reactions to natural rubber latex have increased during past 10 years especially among health care workers and patients with high exposure to latex allergens. Allergic reaction to latex is related to many diseases like occupational asthma. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of allergy to natural rubber latex and potential cross reacting food in operation room staff in Shiraz hospitals. In this cross-sectional descriptive study five hundred eighty operation room staff of ten private and state hospitals in Shiraz completed latex allergy questionnaire. They were questioned about personal history and previous history of latex sensitivity, symptoms of latex reactivity and about other allergies particularly to foods that may cross react with latex. Informed consent was obtained and skin prick testing was performed with natural rubber latex. Skin prick tests were done with three potentially cross reacting food [banana, Kiwi, and potato]. The obtained data were analyzed with SPSS software and Chi-square test. Among the 580 operation room workers 104 [17.9%] of participants were positive to latex skin test. We found a significant association between positive skin test to latex in operation room staff and atopy, urticaria and food allergy. Positive skin test to latex related to positive kiwi skin test [p<0.05]. The prevalence did not vary by sex, age, education, surgical and non surgical glove users, history of contact dermatitis or smoking status. Latex allergy has a high prevalence in personnel of operation room. Evaluation of present symptom and prediction of future disease necessitate screening test in individuals at risk

Essential oil constituents of Chimonanthus fragrans flowers population of Tehran

Chimonanthus fragrans Lindle [Calycanthaceae] is an aromatic plant which little information has been reported so far on the composition of its essential oil. In this study the essential oil of flower of this plant was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Forty nine components were identified corresponding to ca. 98.12% of the total components of the essential oil with 0.12% yield. The major components were elemol [20.06%], beta-caryophyllene [9.51%], beta-elemene [8.65%], bicyclogermacrene [8.15%], gamma-elemene [7.2%], germacrene-D [5.65%], trans-beta-ocimene [5.5%], sabinene [3.65%], linalool [2.6%], caryophyllene oxide [2.3%], and delta-cadinene [1.95%]. Comparison of the data of this study with other data including recent report by HS-SPME-GC-MS showed quantitative and qualitative differences due to geographical, agricultural, and technical factors

Endoscopic findings in children on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] remain as the initial approach to the pharmacologic management in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis [JRA]. Gastrointestinal [GI] damage associated with NSAIDs is common in adults, but there are few studies available in children. This study was performed to determine the GI complications due to the use of NSAIDs in a cohort of JRA patients by endoscopy. Twenty-one patients with JRA who were using NSAIDs for at least 3 months were assessed clinically and by endoscopy at Pediatric Immunology Clinic of Nemazee Hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Shiraz, southern Iran from June 1999 to June 2003. The mean age of the patients was 9.8 years [11 females], and the mean duration under NSAIDs management was 16 months. The most common NSAIDs used was diclofenac. GI symptoms were found in 42.9% of patients including 33.4% abdominal pain and 9.5% vomiting. There was no significant difference between the patients and symptoms free subjects in regard to mean duration of treatment. Macroscopic endoscopic lesions were found in 85.7% and infection of Helicobacter pylori [Hp] in 14.3% of cases. There was no significant relationship between endoscopic findings and duration of treatment or clinical symptoms. Our data showed that patients using NSAIDs had frequent GI damage without any relationship to the duration of treatment. There were also a high number of children with GI damage and without any clinical complaint. Furthermore, we found no significant relationship between the duration of drug use and the GI complaints, and no relation between duration and GI complaints to upper GI tract endoscopic lesions. The possibility of GI derangements with NSAIDs in pediatric age group is high. Close monitoring of symptoms and prevention measures are suggested

Coordination compounds of quadridentate thiosemicarbazide: Their preparation, chracterization, structural investigation and thermal studies

New transition metal complexes of Co[II], Ni[II] and Cu[II] with oxalyl bis-thiosemicarbazide have been synthesized. Attempts have been made to ascertain their probable structures on the basis of elemental analysis, spectra [IR, electronic], thermal studies and magnetic measurements. The ligand can function as a tetra negative quadridentate [NSSN] with the metal ions forming a complexes in a molar ratio 1:1 having the empirical formula [ML and ML. 2H2O]. The magnetic moment measurements and the crystal field parameters calculated for Co[II] and Ni[II] complexes agree fairly well with that reported for Known octahedral complexes

Preparation and characterization of some thiomalato-metal complexes that have a therapeutic interest

The present article has been carried out to prepare with high yield a thiomalato-gold[I] complex which is used as an antirheumatic drug and is sold under the name myochrisin, in addition to thiomalato complexes of copper, silver and platinum complexes expected to be a therapeutic value. The composition and the optical and structural characteristics of various prepared complexes were determined by using chemical as well as thermal analyses, electronic absorption spectra, infrared spectra, mass spectra and electron spin resonance. The different complexes can be prepared with yields exceeding 75%. These findings indicate that the thiomalato-gold[I] complex can be manufactured on an economic basis

Prevalence of Brucella antibodies in sera of cows in Bangladesh

The study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of Brucella antibodies in sera of 120 cows in Bangladesh Agricultural University Dairy Farm and adjacent villages, Bangladesh. The epidemiological history and blood was collected from the cows. The serum samples were subjected to Rose Bengal Test (RBT)and plate agglutination test (PAT) for initial screening of Brucella antibodies and the positive sera samples were then subjected to tube agglutination test (TAT)for further confirmation. The higher rate of Brucella antibody was recorded in rural farm (5.0%)than organized farm (2.5%)and in pregnant cows (5.9%)than non-pregnant cows (4.7%). A total of 3 (4%)Brucella positive antibody cases were recorded in cows of above four years of age whereas, 1 (2.3%)positive case was found in cows of less than 4 years of age. The study revealed that number of Red Shindi was the highest and the prevalence of brucellosis in Bangladesh cow population is not negligible and it is worthwhile to consider adoption of preventive measures.

Catamenial anaphylaxis

It is well documented that the hormonal changes during menstrual cycle influences systemic diseases, among them are allergic disorders. There are some reports of cyclic anaphylactic reactions during menstrual period which is reffered as [Catamenial anaphylaxis]. It must be differentiated from a closely related condition called [APD] or autoimmune progesterone dermatitis which is also a rare condition. It seems that hormonal changes especially rising progesterne levels and other mechanisms like back-diffusion of prostaglandines from contracting uterus into the systemic circulation may have some role in pathogenesis of these conditions. In catamenial anaphylaxis symptoms appear in direct association with the start of the menstrual flow but in APD, sign and symptoms begin earlier in the pre-menstrual phase. A 19 year old girl [not married] was referred because of a 8-months history of recurrent monthly urticarial and anaphlactoid reactions. Her symptoms began at first day of menstruation and lasted 1 to 2 days. The eruptions started as a sense of flushing and intense pruritis all over the body. Soon urticarial lesion as giant hives appeared which in some instances was associated with respiratory distress. The patient denied any changes in her diet and had taken no medications. Complete blood Count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] revealed no abnormalities but VDRL positivity led us to consider rheumatological background like systemic lupus erythematosous. Anti cardio Lipin antibody [ACLA] was surprisingly above normal laboratory values. Her serum was taken in an episode of cyclic anaphylactic reactions and stored to be used later in her cycle when no more menstruating. Skin prick test with autologous serum collected during menstruation is performed at the midcycle and also in the late-cycle period in another ovulatory cycle. Both prick tests led to resurgence of severe allergic reactions as flushing, urticaria, pruritis and dry cough which were managed appropriately. The patient's history and physical examination and hormonal assay were consistent with catamenial anaphylaxis. She is currently under control and follow up, using cyclic conjugated estrogens

Effect of psychotherapy on the quality of life in cancer larynx patients

To study the effect of psychotherapy the quality of life of cancer larynx patients treated by total laryngectomy. Prospective cohort study. 18 patients were divided into two groups, group A [10 patients] received psychotherapy pre and then post laryngectomy, while group B [8 patients] didn't receive any form of psychotherapy. Both groups were compared as regards psychological well being and quality of life using depression scale, anxiety scale, hopelessness scale, suicidal ideations scale QQL questionnaires. Psychotherapy has a positive effect on quality of life in cancer larynx patients

[ study of the effect of drugs used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis on nitric oxide production of peritoneal macrophages in Balb/C mice]

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis [RA] is a chronic progressive inflammatory disorder characterized by polyarthritis in association with various systemic symptoms. Nitric oxide [NO] production is increased in serum and synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis patients and may be involved in the inflammatory process. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of various drugs used in the treatment of RA on NO production and if this effect varies with respect to the drugs that were tested

Materials and Methods: Different doses [1-1000 microM] of methotrexate, sulfasalazine, chloroquine and azathioprine were administered to measure IFN-gamma and reaction

Results: Azathioprine, chloroquine and sulfasalazine inhibited NO production in a dose-dependent manner. Azathioprine. reduced NO production at all drug concentrations [p<0.05]. Chloroquine and sulfasalazine reduced NO production when given at 10-1000 microM Correspondence: LPS-induced NO production in peritoneal macrophages of Balb/C mice. NO production was measured by Griess concentrations [p<0.05], but methotrexate reduced NO production [p<0.05] only when given at a high [1000 microM] concentration

Conclusion: The results suggest that, NO inhibition by these drugs can be regarded as a mechanism of action of these medications in the treatment of RA

Kawasaki syndrome: the Iranian experience

Experience with 50 cases of Kawasaki syndrome in the Islamic Republic of Iran is presented. The syndrome occurred mostly in winter and spring with a 2.1:1 male: female ratio. In 72% of cases, the disease occurred between 1 and 5 years of age, and 80% had an antecedent viral or bacterial illness. Eight patients [16%] had microbiological evidence of infection and 19 [38%] had clinical evidence. Five patients had clinical and radiological evidence of sinusitis. Leukocytosis, neutrophilia, bandaemia, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive C-reactive protein, reversed albumin/globulin ratio and increased antistreptolysin O titre were other indications of infection and inflammation. Male gender, prolonged fever, white blood cell count > 15,000/mm3 and absolute granulocyte count > 10,000/mm3 were significant risk factors for the development of coronary artery disease [10 patients]