[Green synthesis of iron nano particles using Mentha longifolia L. extract]

Background: Zero- iron nanoparticles, due to their high degradation properties, cause the destruction of many pollutants. Among the methods for synthesizing iron nanoparticles, green synthesis using plant extracts is more beneficial for the synthesis of nanoparticles than other methods

Objective: In this research, zero iron nanoparticles are synthesized in a one-step process by using of Mentha longifolia L. extract, which includes phenolic compounds, from the reduction of iron [III] chloride salt. The purpose of this research is to synthesize and develop a green method for the preparation of zero iron nanoparticles

Methods: The extract was obtained by percolation method at room temperature and distilled water solvent. The extract was added to a FeCl3.6H2O iron solution of 0.01 M. The color change from yellow to dark brown indicates the formation of nanoparticles. Changing in pH and color of the solution after the start of the reaction were investigated and recorded. Specifications of the synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed using SEM [scanning electron microscopy], UV-vis and FTIR

Results: Iron nanoparticles were synthesized at 46 degree C, 87 min and the volume ratio of 0.01 M iron salts to the extract 5:1. In this condition, the nanoscale size was 30.44 nanometers, which was confirmed by the SEM image

Conclusion: The synthesis of zero-iron nanoparticles using Mentha longifolia L. extract is possible. The antioxidant compounds in the plant can reduce iron [III] and produce zero iron nanoparticles

[Effect of different incoming feeds, defatting procedures and solvents on producing of standard silymarin extract]

Background: The medicinal plant milk thistle with the scientific name of Silybum marianum is an annual or biennial herb native to the Mediterranean regions and is found through the world. Extracts from the seeds of this plant have been used to cure liver disorders since ancient times. Featured phytochemicals of this medicinal plant are flavonolignan compounds and silybin is the most important one

Objective: In this study, the effects of applying different incoming feeds, defatting procedures and solvents on silymarin extraction process from the seeds of milk thistle have been investigated

Methods: Reflux extraction was used to obtain extracts. All extracts have been refluxed for 6 hours and the temperature was fixed at 60 degree C. Different incoming feeds including ground seeds, solvent defatted meal, cold press defatted meal, and separated pericarps have been subjected to the extraction system. Also, three different solvents including methanol, methanol 80%, and ethanol 80% were employed. Prepared extracts were weighed and then HPLC method analysis was used for quantifying silymarin compounds

Results: According to the presented data, the concentration and amount of silymarin in different extracts was compared. The extract obtained from ground seeds with methanol was able to reach the most amount of silymarin while the highest concentration of silymarin was obtained from the extract of ground pericarp with ethanol 80%

Conclusion: This study shows that a higher amount of active ingredient can be extracted by using ground seeds and methanol solvent. Of course, there are more impurities in this extract

[ effect of a combined herbal ointment [pepper, rosemary, peppermint] on low back pain after coronary angiography]

Background: Angiography is one of the most important diagnostic procedures of heart patients is that despite many advantages in the detection of coronary artery disease , has caused many problems for patients. To prevent these complications, the patient is recommended bed rest. Followed this situation, back pain occurred and low back pain is common among these patients

Objective: This study aims to assess the effect of topical herbal ointment on back pain in angiography patients

Methods: This study was a two groups randomized clinical trial, in which patients underwent coronary angiography were selected with available sampling and randomly divided into two groups [taking herbal ointment] and control [placebo] and on angiography day and one day later treated with herbal ointment [4 times a day] and before taking the ointment, and at the end of the second day, pain was measured by VAS scale

Results: In this study assessed 80 patients that received angiography. The mean pain score in the test group prior to the intervention was 4/05 with a standard deviation 2/24 and after intervention was 2/47 with standard deviation 1/66. pain score in the control group prior to the intervention was 3/52 with a standard deviation 1/93 and after intervention was 3/45 with standard deviation 1/82

Conclusion: With regard the results of this study we can conclude that this herbal ointment [pepper, rosemary, peppermint] can reduce low back pain in patients after angiography and we can use this ointment to increase patient comfort although more research with more samples is needed in this area to achieve a certain result

[Comparison of different methods in sennoside extraction from senna alexandrina]

Background: Senna leaf belongs to stimulant laxatives. The laxative effect of this medicinal plant is because of sennosides, aloe-emodin and dynatron which they all belongs to among anthraquinone derivatives family and uses to treat constipation, discharge of the intestine before surgery or abdomen surgeries and tests

Objective: In this study, different methods of extracting from the Senna plant was compared and the extraction of the active ingredient, sennoside B, was optimized by using the response level statistical method

Methods: For the extraction of Senna extract, various extraction methods, including maceration, dynamic maceration [stirrer], ultrasound assisted extraction, microwave assisted extraction and soxhlet extraction using ethanol 96° and 60° as solvent in different times. Regarding to the meanweights of the extracts and active substance sennoside B, The best method was selected. In the next phase, the amount of active substance of sennoside B was optimized using the statistical method of response surface

Results: Considering the mean weights of the extract and amount of sennoside B, dynamic maceration [stirrer] method is the most suitable method to obtain senna extract in the industrial and medicinal extraction.The results of the optimization of the best extraction method [maceration] showed that when influential variables temperature, time, the ratio of substance to solvent and filter mesh were 84°C, 119.7 minutes, 0.04 and 29.7 microns, respectively, the maximum amount of the active substance [3.009%] has been reached

Conclusion: Finally, it can be concluded that active maceration extraction method [stirrer] is suggested as one of the best method to obtain senna extract in industry and the output efficiency of the active substance of sennoside B is affected by introduced optimized conditions mentioned

[ effect of ginkgo on stress level of nurses]

Mental Health of Nurses in recent decades, attracted more attention. Therefore strategies to reduce stress level is essential. Ginkgo biloba is one of thes herbs that has widely usage in complimentary medicine.With regard to the these points and consider of positive effects of Ginkgo biloba, this study aimed to assess the effect of Ginkgo biloba on nurses stress levels. This clinical trial was a double blined cross sectional study that nurses eligible to participate in the study using sampling methods were selected and Then randomly given drug or placebo to nurses. The medication and placebo was 40 mg, twice a day. After the two -week, the experimental and control group were switched. In this study 62 nurses for two weeks consume ginkgo. Sum score of occupational stress questionnaire in case group after intervention was 40.15 with standard deviation 10.26. sum score of occupational stress questionnaire in control group after intervention was 34.55 with standard deviation 12. With regard that stress in nurses has problems such as decrease quality of care and unsatisfaction and unefficacy and fatigue and these factors lead to emotional disorder then intervention for control them is necessary. Therefore with regard that this research identify positive effect of ginkgo on stress levels and ginkgo is a part of complimentary therapy has a wildly application then we can use that for increase quality of life in nurses

Essential oil compositions and photosynthetic pigments content of Pelargonium graveolens in response to nanosilver application

Nanosilver particles are among the potentially candidates for modulating the redox status and changing the growth, performance and quality of plants because of their physicochemical characteristics. This study was carried out to elucidate the potential effects of nanosilver particles application on variations of photosynthetic pigments [chlorophyll and carotenoids] and essential oil content and composition of Pelargonium graveolens. Four nanosilver particles [5 - 20 nm] concentration [0, 20, 40, and 80 mg.L[-1]] were used as foliar application. The essential oils were isolated from aerial flowering parts of the plants by hydro-distillation method and then subjected to GC and GC-MS apparatus to determine the oil constituents. Chlorophyll and carotenoids content increased in leaves of nanosilver treated plants in compare with the control. Nanosilver application at 40 mg.L[-1] was the most effective treatments in pigments and essential oil content. Also, results showed that 26 components were identified in essential oil and citronellol was the major component under all employed treatments. Maximum citronellol/geraniol ratio was obtained at 80 mg.L[-1] nanosilver treatment, indicating the positive influence of nanosilver particles on essential oil quality of Pelargonium plants. The nanosilver particles application could maintain and enhanced the photosynthetic pigments and essential oil content of P. graveolens plants. Our findings suggested that nanosilver application improved quality and quantity of essential oil

Seed alkaloids content and antioxidant enzymes activity in black henbane as influenced by ammonium nitrate application and water deficit stress

Since alkaloids are nitrogenous compounds, the availability of nitrogen [N] is expected to play an important role in the biosynthesis and accumulation of alkaloids in plants. This study intended to investigate the nitrogen [N] fertilization and water deficit stress [WDS] effects on seed tropane alkaloids elicitation including hyoscyamine [HYO] and scopolamine [SCO], and also antioxidant enzymes activities variations including superoxide dismutase [SOD], peroxidase [POX] and catalase [CAT] in black henbane. Plants were treated with different nitrogen [0, 0.14, 0.28 and 0.56 g N pot[-1] as ammonium nitrate, N0-N3, respectively] and WDS treatments [30, 60 and 90% depletion of water from field capacity, W1-W3]. Alkaloids extracted were identified by gas chromatography [GC] and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry [GC-MS] analysis. Results showed that the highest alkaloid content values in seeds [HYO: 0.145% dw; and SCO: 0.271% dw] achieved in plants grown under sever [W3] and moderate [W2] WDS accompanied with nitrogen supply of 0.28 g N pot[-1] [N2], respectively. The maximum and minimum [2.112 and 0.114 g.plant[-1]] total alkaloids yield were obtained in N3W1 and N3W3 treatments, respectively. Furthermore, SOD activity increased with increasing N fertilization in all WDS treatments. CAT activity increased with WDS up to 60% FC, and then decreased with WDS increase. The POX activity was the opposite to that of CAT activity with N application under WDS levels. Our results suggest that N in appropriate level may act as a modifier for seed physiological responses and as an elicitor for tropane alkaloids biosynthesis pathway in black henbane [hyoscyamus niger] plants

comparative study of hypolipidemic activities of the extracts of Melissa officinalis and Berberis vulgaris in rats

Hyperlipidemia is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by an excess of lipids in the bloodstream. Given previous studies on barberry and Melissa officinalis extracts, this study aims at comparing hypolipidemic activities of Melissa officiizalis extract and Berberis vulgaris. For the purpose of this study, 64 Wistar rats were selected and divided into 8 groups [n=8]. The control group was administered with ordinary diet; the sham group was administered with high-fat diet and intraperitoneally 0.2 ml/dl of the extract solvent [normal saline]; and similarly, experimental groups received minimal, moderate and maximum dosages of barberry and Melissa officinalis extracts. The treatment groups was given high-fat diet for 21 days. After this period, blood samples were taken and the gathered data were analyzed using SPSS software. The amount of cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL were increased in the model group compared to the control group, whereas the same substances were decreased significantly in the group receiving the extract compared to the model group [p<0.05]. Hypolipidemic properties of alcohol extracts of Melissa officinalis are more effective than those of Berberis vulgaris. Moreover, it should be noted that it is rather the antioxidant properties of Melissa officinalis and their effects on the increase in thyroid hormones as well as the presence of alkaloid compounds, such as berberine in Berberis vulgaris, that inhibits cholesterol synthesis and enables its excretion

Effects of exogenous salicylic acid application on growth, metabolic activities and essential oil composition of Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad

Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad, with the common Persian name "marzeh khuzestani", is an endemic medicinal plant, distributed in the southwestern areas of Iran. Salicylic acid [SA] is a signaling molecule and a hormone-like substance that plays an important role in the plant physiological processes. This study was conducted to determine the influence of foliar SA application [0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg.L[-1]] at two times including vegetative stage [VS] and both vegetative and reproductive stages [VS+RS] on growth parameters, enzymes activity including superoxide dismutase [SOD] and polyphenol oxidase [PPO], protein content, essential oil percentage and composition of S. khuzisra, zica under field conditions. The essential oils were isolated from aerial flowering parts of the plants by hydro- distillation method and then subjected to GC and GC-MS analyses to determine the oil constituents. Results showed that SA application at 100 and 200 mg.L[-1] were the most effective treatments in growth characteristics, but the highest essential oil content and yield was obtained at 400 mg.L[-1] SA treatment. In both spraying times, plants treated with 100 and 200 mg.L SA concentration showed more PPO and SOD activity than control plants, respectively. Also, results showed that the 14 compositions were identified in essential oil of plants under all employed treatments. Carvacrol was the major component of oils, which is also showed more variability than that of other components. It was concluded that foliar spray of SA at low concentration once at vegetative and second time at reproductive stage might be employed for enhancing both primary and secondary metabolites production of S. khuzisranica plants

Two main tropane alkaloids variations of black henbane [hyoscyamus niger] under pgprs inoculation and water deficit stress induction at flowering stage

Plants infection with microorganisms as well as physical factors such as osmotic stresses especially drought stress induced particular secondary metabolite production. Plant root and shoot hyoscyamine [HYO] and scopolamine [SCO] variations were investigated under three water deficit stress [WDS] levels as 30 [W1], 60 [W2] and 90% [W3] water depletion of field capacity and Pseudomonas putida [PP] and P. fluoresence [PF] strains inoculation at flowering stage. Seedling radicles and culture media were inoculated with PP and PF [10[9] CFU/ml] strains. Monitoring of soil moisture levels was conducted using gravimetric method. Alkaloids extracted were identified by gas chromatography [GC] and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry [GC-MS] analysis. Results revealed that HYO was the prevalent alkaloid in root and shoot organs. The highest ratio of SCO to HYO [0.53] and the highest alkaloids both HYO and SCO content in root and shoot was observed in W3PF treatment. The largest total alkaloids [HYO+SCO] yield [25.7 mg.plant[-1]] was showed in PP treated plants under W1 conditions. Integrative use of effective Pseudomonades strains and WDS sounds to be an encouraging and eco-friendly strategy for increasing tropane alkaloids yield and content in Hyoscyamus niger root and shoot parts

[Effect of Papaverine on human serum albumin glycation]

Glycation is a non enzymatic reaction initiated by the primary addition of sugar to the amino groups of proteins. In the early stage of glycation, the synthesis of intermediates leading to formation of Amadori compounds occurs. In the late stage, advanced glycation end product [AGE] are irrevesibly formed after a Complex cascade of reaction. Survey effect of Papaverine on Human Serum Albumin Glycation. In this study HSA incubate with Glucose and different papaverine concentration for 42 days at 37degreeC. also HSA incubate alone [control sample], with Glucose[glycated sample] and with different papaverine concentration [without Glucose] respectively under the same conditions. Then samples survey with circular dichroism, fluorescence and UV spectroscopy. HSA glycation increase in proportion to papaverine concentration. samples contain Glucose and papaverine show more change in secondary structure, free amino groups and AGE fluorescence in relation to glycated and control samples. In glycated alpha helix and beta sheet show 5.7% decrease and 3.1% increase in comparison to control respectively. glycated show 14.2% fluorescence more than control. Free lys number in glycated show 8% less than control sample. All this cases show more change in samples which contain papaverine and Glucose. seem papaverine change HSA and cause more lys contact with sugar thus papaverine increase glycation

Total phenol, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the essential oil and extracts of ferulago angulata ssp. angulata

In recent years, plants natural products have gained considerable attention as natural preservers for use in different industries. Due to their free radical scavenging activities, phenolic compounds can prevent a wide range of diseases such as cancers and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. For a long time, different Ferulago species have been in use as medicinal plants worldwide. The aim of this research was to investigate total phenolics and the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of essential oil and different extracts from F. angulata growing wild in Iran. Antioxidant activity of our samples was examined by DPPH assay and their phenolic content was determined using the Folin - Ciocalteau method. Moreover, their inhibitory effects against five gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria including Shigella boidii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis were tested by using the disk diffusion method. Ethyl acetate fraction and methanol extract contained the highest levels of phenolic compounds [229.2 and 202.9 micro g/mg galic acid] in this study. Also, essential oil of this plant exhibited low free radical scavenging activity [IC[50]= 36129.43micro g/ml]. On the other hand, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions had the highest antioxidant activity [IC[50] values of 20.153 and 28.28 micro g/ml, respectively]. Finally, studied samples had no significant antibacterial activities against tested organisms. The essential oil of this plant can be used as a flavoring agent while extracts prepared from it have the potential to be used as natural antioxidants in relevant industries

Study of hypoglycemic effect of Juglans regia leaves and its mechanism

Hypoglycemic effect of Juglans regia leaves was reported in other previous researches. To investigate the mechanism of hypoglycemic action of Julans regia Leaves Methanolic Extract [JRLME], we designed the following study. Methods: Male wistar rats were classified in five groups, each of six, including alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with JRLME at doses of 250 [D+JRLMEa], 500 mg/kg [D+JRLMEb], Acarbose at dose 20 mg/kg [D+Ac], vehicle alone [DC] and normal rats treated with vehicle alone [NC]. The Postprandial blood glucose level was examined in a short time [after a single dose treatment] and a long time [after three weeks daily treatment] model. After three weeks of treatment, all groups' animals were killed to dissect pancreatic and myocardium for RNA extraction and RT-PCR, to assess insulin and glut-4 genes expression, respectively. In addition, other normal rats were killed to extract intestinal brush border membrane for beta-glucosidase solution preparation. The effect of JRLMEa on beta-glucosidase activity was evaluated by an in vitro method, compared to Acarbose as a reference drug. The plant extract had a significant hypoglycemic action in both short and long term models. Decrease in PBG level was the most at 8 hour after treatment and more in D+Ac [53%], D+JRLMEa [40%] and D+JRLMEb [29%] versus DC, respectively. There was also permanent PBG reduction in treated groups in comparison with the DC one during long term period. We did not find change in the insulin and glut-4 genes expression. On the other hand, the in vitro assay of beta-glucosidase activity displayed inhibitory action of JRLME, like Acarbose, but less effectively

[Optimization of extraction method of hyoscine from Hyoscyamus niger L.]

Hyoscyamus niger L. from Solanaceae is an important pharmacological plant which contains tropane alkaloids, tropane alkaloids constitute one distinct group of secondary metabolites of the Solanaceae. Hyoscyamus species are rich source of tropane alkaloids, mainly hyoscyamine and hyoscine [scopolamine], which are widely used for their mydriatic, antispasmodic, anticholinergic, analgesic and sedative properties. Therefore determine of optimized method is necessary for extraction of hyoscine from Hyoscyamus niger L. The purpose of this research is determine of optimized conditions for extraction of hyoscine from Hyoscyamus niger L. Three factors, temperature, extraction time and mesh size of plant were studied using three level box-behnken design, the hyoscine content were measured by Gas chromatograph, Younglin Acm 6000 model. The results showed that the best conditions for extraction of hyoscine from Hyoscyamus niger L. is Ultrasonic extraction in 43 C, 130 min and 45 mesh size. It can be concluded that in order to efficient extraction of hyoscine from Hyoscyamus niger L., special conditions should be considered

[Antidiabetic effects of juglans regia leave's methanolic extract on alloxan-induced male wisrar rats]

Juglans regia leaves have antioxidant effects and have been used in Iranian traditional medicines for its hypoglycaemic properties in the treatment of diabetes. This study is designed to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of Juglans regia leave's methanolic extract [JRLME]. Alloxan-induced diabetic male wistar rats have treated with JRLME at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg for three weeks and its effects investigated on various biochemical parameters such as postprandial blood glucose level [short term and long term treatment by JRLME, oral glucose tolerance, Total cholesterol [TC], Triglyceride [TG], LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and VLDL levels, enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPX] and catalase [CAT] using commercial kits. The obtained results showed a decrease [31%] in the blood glucose level within 3 to 8 hours and also a significant decrease [44%] at the end of three weeks of feeding JRLME. The JRLME also decreased markedly TG [14%] and TC [7.6%] levels in blood serum. In addition, antioxidant effect of JRLME was determined from elevated GPX, SOD and CAT activities by 22, 12 and 9%, respectively, as compared to diabetic control group [DC]. However, the data about CAT activity was not significant as compared to diabetic control group [DC]. We concluded that Juglans regia leaves have multifunctional ameliorating effects in diabetic metabolic conditions