[Investigation of essential oil and citral content, and morphophysiological changes of lippia citriodora in response to induction of bioactive compounds and plant growth regulators]

Background: lippia citriodora H.B.K is an important medicinal and aromatic plant from the Verbenaceae family

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigation of essential oil percentage, E-citral [geranial] content and morphophysiological changes of Lippia citriodora in response to induction of bioactive compounds and plant growth regulators

Methods: this study has been conducted on the base of factorial experiment in randomized complete block design [RCBD] with 3 replications. The first factor included the application of bioregulators at four levels that were distilled water, 50 ppm gibberellic acid [GA[3]] + 50 ppm IBA, 50 ppm GA[3] + 100 ppm IBA and 100 ppm GA[3] + 50 ppm IBA. The second factor was chitosan inductions at two levels: distilled water and 400 ppm chitosan. The third factor was methanol induction at two levels: distilled water and 5% v/v methanol

Results: the measured traits were significantly affected [P

Conclusion: generally, the interaction of foliar application of plant growth regulators, methanol and chitosan could be positively effect on essential oil, E-citral [geranial] content and morpho-physiological traits

review of the medicinal plants from the tragopogon Spp.

Tragopogon is a genus of Asteraceae family and Lactuceae tribe. Distribution of this genus in different areas resulted to its dietary and feed applications as well as medicinal uses. Different parts of these plants have been used in treatment of stomachache and digestive disorders

In Iranian traditional medicine they used as hemostatic and wound healing agent in nose, ears, lungs, throat, intestine, stomach, and skin bleeding. Reduction of lipid peroxidation and blood lipid level, antioxidant, antileukemic, and antibacterial effects, and healing effect on inflammatory bowel disease are some of evaluated pharmacologic effects of the plants in this genus. Flavonoids, terpenes, saponins, bibenzyl and hydroisocoumarins, phenolic compounds, and strolls are some of detected phytochemicals of these plants that majority of them have been identified through the chemotaxonomic studies. Some tragopogon plants with high antioxidant effect are able to protect the tissues from the inflammatory disorders and inhibit DNA damage in the determined concentrations

Changes in growth and trigonelline/mucilage production of fenugreek [trigonella foenum- graecum l.] under plant growth regulators application

Fenugreek [Trigonellafoenum -graecum L.] is an annual medicinal plant belongs to the legume family and has anti-diabetic, anti-fertility, anticancer, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic and hypocholesterolaemic effects. Evaluation of growth and trigonelline /mucilage content in fenugreek under application of plant growth regulators [PGR]. The experiment was conducted on randomized complete blocks design [RCBD] with 13 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments were consist of control [distilled water application], Giberrellic Acid [GA[3]] 25 and 50 ppm and Naphthalene Acetic Acid [NAA] 25 and 50 ppm [for each concentration by soaking the seeds before planting, spray after planting, and soaking seeds before planting with spray after planting]. Application of plant growth regulators significantly increased trigonelline and mucilage content of seed, shoots and pods dry weight per plant and 1000-seed weight. Application of plant growth regulators had no significant effect on the SPAD value. Mean comparisons showed that the highest shoot dry weight was related to NAA, GA[3] 50 ppm [soaking seeds before planting with spray after planting], and also the highest pods dry weight, 1000-seed weight, mucilage and trigonelline content of seeds were obtained from GA[3] 50 ppm [soaking the seeds before planting with spcay after planting]. Application of GA[3] 50 ppm as the soaking seeds before planting with spray after planting are effective to obtain maximum trigonelline and mucilage content in fenugreek

[ analytical review on methods for the isolation and determination of glycyrrhizic acid from glycyrrhiza glabra]

Glycyrrhiza glabra [Licorice] is a perennial shrub belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is widely used in food; pharmaceutical products and tobacco industry because of its important secondary metabolites. Due to worldwide uses of licorice, it has significant role in export. One of the main bioactive compounds of the root is glycyrrhizic acid [GA] which is a saponine containing three carboxyl and five hydroxyl groups. Glycyrrhizic acid is used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic remedy for the treatment of bronchial asthma, eczemas and other diseases. There are different methods for separation, purification, and analysis of glycyrrhizic acid [GA] from licorice roots. Most accepted technologies of them include using of solvents, water separation, polymeric macro porous resin and non-ionic surfactants. Also, high-performance liquid chromatography technique is the most important in analysis of GA

[Cytotoxicity evaluation of taverniera spartea on human cancer cell lines]

For centuries, plants have been a major source for drug discovery. Some examples of anticancer agents developed from plants are the vinblastine, vincristine, taxol and camptothecin. Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women and prostate cancer remains a considerable health problem for men around the world. The purpose of this study was cytotoxicity evaluation of Taverniera spartea on human cancer cell lines. Methods: In the present study, we determined the cytotoxic effects of total methanol extracts and their fractions of Taverniera spartea on MCF-7 and BT-474 human breast cancer cells and also PC-3 and Du-145 prostate cancer cells. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. The chloroform fraction of Taverniera spartea showed the highest toxicity MTT assay. The IC50 value of this fraction was 70.69 mg/ml for MCF-7 breast cancer cell line after 48 h of exposure. Chloroform fraction showed necrotic effects on MCF-7, BT-474 and PC-3 in contrast apopthotic induction on Du-145 in flow cytometry analysis Taverniera spartea has cytotoxic effects. Further investigation is needed to determine chemical characterization of the active principles and the molecular mechanisms mediated anticancer activities of Taverniera spartea

[ review on medicinal plant of Glycyrrhiza glabra L.]

Glycyrrhiza glabra L [Licorice] as native and pasture medicinal plant has most important export rule. Glycyrrhizic acid [GA] or Glycyrrhizin as a main active component of licorice root and rhizomes, is a triterpenoid saponin claimed to be up to 30-50 times sweeter than sucrose and to be used in pharmaceuticals, food and tobacco industry. Licorice root is a traditional medicine used mainly for the treatment of peptic ulcer, hepatitis C, and pulmonary and skin diseases, although clinical and experimental studies suggest that it has several other useful pharmacological properties such as antiinflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidative, anticancer activities, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective and cardioprotective effects. A large number of components have been isolated from licorice, including triterpene saponins, flavonoids, isoflavonoids and chalcones, with glycyrrhizic acid normally being considered to be the main biologically active component. Understanding of the limitations and challenges in the medicinal plant are need for planning principles for development activities and conservation in this field.In this review summarizes the phytochemical, pharmacological and pharmacokinetics data, together with the clinical as one of the most important herbs in exports and adverse effects of licorice

Changes in essential oil composition and leaf traits of basil [Ocimum basilicum L.] affected by bio-stimulators / fertilizers application

Basil [Ocimum basilicum L.], a member of the Lamiaceae family, has traditionally been used as a medicinal plant in the treatment of headaches, coughs, diarrhea, constipation, warts, worms, and kidney malfunctions. To investigate the foliar application effects of bio-stimulators and bio-fertilizers on morphological and phytochemical traits of basil [Ocimum basilicum L.]. Bio-stimulators in three commercial formulations of aminolforte, kadostim and fosnutren [with concentration of 1.5 L.ha[-1]] through foliar application, and bio-fertilizers in three commercial formulations of nitroxin, super-nitro plus and barvar 2 [with concentration of 0.5 L.ha[-1]] through seed inoculation were considered as two studied factors. The results showed that the interaction effect of bio-stimulators and bio - fertilizers was significant [p<0.01] on all of studied parameters except of chlorophyll content [SPAD value]. The highest leaf fresh weight [25.47 g/plant] and leaf dry weight [6.48 g/plant] were obtained under fosnutren and nitroxin treatment, also maximum leaf number [206.33] was recorded in aminolforte and nitroxin treatment. The highest leaf area [1302.2 mm[2]/plant] was observed in kadostim and nitroxin treatment. Also results showed that the highest content of essential oil [0.43%] was obtained in aminolforte and nitroxin, methyl chavicol [37.13%] in fosnutren and super-nitro plus, geranial [29.05%] and caryophylene [6.66%] in kadostim and nitroxin, and carvacrol [31.60%] in fosnutren and nitroxin treated plants. In general, the best treatment to improve growth and phytochemical traits of Ocimum basilicum were kaclostim x nitroxin and fosnutren x nitroxin

[Analytical review on Persian poppy [Papaver bracteatum lindl.] as a native and economical medicinal plant]

Persian poppy or great scarlet poppy [Papaver bracteatuin LindI.] is proposed as a new source of raw material for codeine production and addiction treatment. This species as a native plant is growing in North and West of Iran. As for possible of illegal cultivation of opium poppy, cultivation of Persian poppy in Iran was associated with restrictions and despite the being abundant biodiversity of this plant in Iran, this plant was not considered yet. However, Persian poppy is lacking in morphine and rich in the baine. It has appropriate potential for domestication, mass production, and industrial processing as a valuable medicinal plant. For this reason, in this study was investigated kind of traits in this plant

[Effects of different levels of zeolite on plant growth and amount of gel production in Aloe vera L. under different irrigation]

Researchers' attention has been focused on Aloe vera for a long time due to the numerous medicinal effects of this plant and its application in various fields of food, cosmetic and hygienic industries. This study was conducted to evaluate the different levels of Zeolite and irrigation conditions on vegetative growth and quantitative and qualitative changes in plant gel. It is based on a factorial randomized complete block design with 4 levels of Zeolite in soil and 3 levels of irrigation, in 3 replications. After 5 months, morphological traits were measured. Also the amount of aloin in leaf and vitamin C in the gel were measured. The best results of morphological traits were obtained with 22 g Zeolite treatment in 5 kg pots of soil and 21 days irrigation. The highest amount of aloin was observed in 44 g Zeolite treatment in 5 kg pots of soil with 7 days irrigation. The highest amount of vitamin C was obtained in 44 g Zeolite treatment in 5 kg pots of soil with 14 days irrigation. The overall results showed that zeolite plays an important role in promoting growth and increasing secondary metabolites in plant Aloe vera under different irrigation

[Chemical composition of the essential oil and antioxidant activities, total phenol and flavonoid content of the extract of Nepeta pogonosperma]

Nepeta pogonosperma Jamzad and Assadi [Labiatae] is one of the endemic Nepeta species in Iran [Alamut region]. Flavonoids, iridoids, phenols and dierpenes have previously been reported in some Nepeta species. Genus of Nepeta have essential oil and antioxidant, antimicrobial, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and anxiolytic activities and also used in folk medicine because of their expectorant, antiseptic, antitussive, antiasthmatic and febrifuge effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate chemical composition of the essential oil and antioxidant activities, total phenol and flavonoid content of the extract of N. poganosperma in the flowering stage. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the species were measured using colorimetric methods. The total antioxidant capacity was determined by the following ABTS and DPPH free-radicals scavenging and ferric reducing/antioxidant power [FRAP]. Essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The extract possessed a higher concentration of total phenol than total flavonoid content. Methanol extract showed moderate DPPH scavenging activity [IC50 < 200 microg/ml]. Fifty constituents were found representing 95.95% of the essential oil. The main constituents of the essential oil were 1, 8-cineole and 4aalpha, 7aalpha, 7aalpha-nepetalactone. The present results demonstrate that N. pogonospema extract exhibits antioxidant activity and may serve as potential source of natural antioxidants for treatment of some diseases. Further investigations are necessary for chemical characterization of the active compounds and more comprehensive biological assays

[Introduce some of the medicinal plants species with the most traditional usage in east Mazandaran region]

Some knowledge about medicinal plants is available in old references or books. But important point is, the information of traditional usage of medicinal plants from different parts of Iran be worthwhile and people is encouraged to use of them, another way it is a good background for future examination about medicinal plants. One of the most important sources of traditional medicine data collection is indigenous people. So the aims of the study are asking the knowledge from eldest and native people to accumulation the wealth and to guide interested people to use of medicinal plants. We started our investigation after prepared a map to distinction the area and different villages. Then we interviewed about medicinal plants in the region from eldest and native people. The specimens that were collected in the region were transferred to herbarium [ACECR] to recognition. In this investigation 14 medicinal species belong to 11 families were collected and identified. In comparison with another survey in some region in neighboring provinces, there are some differences between how to use of medicinal plants and traditional usage that it is due to mores of indigenous people in the each part. Considering that the region has a favorable weather and rich flora especially medicinal plants and also has a previous historical of traditional medicine, so it is needed to pay attention to protect them. Another way we found some new effects of the medicinal plants that can be subjected for investigations to more examination

Cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity of five plant species of solanaceae family from Iran

The use of natural products as anticancer and antioxidant agents has a long history. Several drugs currently used in chemotherapy were isolated from plant species. The aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity as well as phenol and flavonoid contents of five plant species of Solanaceae family. Five plant species of Solanaceae family were collected from different regions of Iran. Methanol extracts and chloroform fractions of these species were tested by brine shrimp lethality assay in order to detect cytotoxicity. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH method. The total phenol content was measured using Folin - Ciocalteu method. The flavonoid content was measured by a colorimetric assay. The extracts of Datura innoxia and Datura stramonium showed the highest cytotoxicity activities with LC[50] values of 22.08 and 21.66 micro g/ml, respectively. The chloroform fractions of these two species were subjected to cytotoxicity assay with LC[50] values of 33.00 and 4.29 micro g/ml, respectively. In comparing, Solanum dulcamara showed the highest antioxidant activity with IC[50] values of 52.51 micro g/ml and the highest phenol and flavonoid content of the dry weight. It could be seen among five tested plant species that D. stramonium had the highest cytotoxic activity and S. dulcamara had the highest antioxidant activity, phenol and flavonoid content. Further studies are necessary for chemical composition of the extracts and more comprehensive biological assays

[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

[Effects of Zataria multiflora boiss. essential oil and nisin, alone and in combination against listeria monocytogen in BHI broth]

In food industry, quality assurance and prolongation of shelf-life is achieved through control of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms in foods. Regards to much proved adverse effects of synthetic food additives and general concern on the subject, the replacement of these additives with natural based ones such as plant essential oils and natural antibiotics has been raised and researches first at in virto models and then in food systems is necessary. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC] of Zataria multiflora Boiss. Essential oil and nisin alone and in combination against Listeria monocytogen in brain heart infusion [BHI] broth. The specifications of combination of essential oil and nisin were determined. In this study 600 micro g/ml of Z. multiflora essential oil and 2.5 micro g/ml nisin in pH value of 5 at 15 [degree sign] C were used. In this study Zataria multiflora essential oil had antimicrobial effects agains Listeria monocytogen [MBC: 19, MIC: 9.5 micro g/ml]. Combination of nisin and the essential oil had also antimicrobial effects against Listeria monocytogen [MIC: 1.2, MBC:2.4 micro g/ml]. Zataria multiflora essential oil and nisin were effective against Listeria monocytogen alone. This effect was obviously increased in combination with each other and the results were noticeable

Propagation of Ginkgo biloba L. through tissue culture of various plant parts

Ginkgo biloba, often referred to as a living fossil, is the oldest living tree specie on earth and is well known for its resistance to adverse growing conditions as well as its ornamental beauty. Ginkgo has been used as a nutritional support for mental alertness, enhanced circulatory and blood vessel health. The beneficial effects are due to the presence of ginkgolides and bilobalide that represent together with the flavonoids the active constituents. Propagation of Ginkgo biloba to determine the best explants, medium, kind of hormone on regeneration through tissue culture of various plant parts. In this study factorial experiments were conducted to determine the best explants, medium, kind of hormone on regeneration, the percentage of callus and the weight of wet callus. The response of leaf, petioles and meristem explants on MS, B5, WPM mediums to six hormones were investigated. Every experiment has 3 replications. Every replication for each treatment had 6 samples containing 7 explants. After sterilizing explants, they exposed to the treatments in mediums of%7 Agar [5.7 pH] for 6 weeks. In these experiments only callus was produced therefore it seems that Ginkgo plant is recalcitrant. These results showed that shoot tip was the best explant and interaction of epical meristem and MS medium had the best effect on the production of callus. 1 mg/l NAA plus 0.5 mg BAP was the best hormonal combination. Petiole explant gave the least response

Investigation of the hypoglycemic effect of tribulus terrestris extract on diabetic rats

Tribulus terrestris L. is a traditional herbal medicine used for treatment of hypertension, urinary tract inflammation, kidney and bladder stones. The present study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of Tribulus terrestris [T.T.] fruit extract on rat blood glucose at acute and chronic phases compered with glibenclamide as the standard hypoglycemic drug. 60 wistar male rats with 200-250 gr weight were selected and caged in same environmental condition. Diabetes was induced by 50mg/kg streptozocin intraperitoneal [ip] injection. After 15 days the rats with fasting blood sugar [FBS] above 200mg/dl were selected and divided into 10 groups of 6 rats each. The T.T. fruit extract in doses of 15, 30, 60, 150, 250, 500, 750, 1000 mg/kg for acute phase and 500, 750, 1000 mg/kg for chronic phase were selected for ip injected. FBG and 2 hour post prandial blood sugar [2hrPPBS] were determined every 20 days during 2 month of the study and fasting blood insulin were determined at the end of the study. The results of this study indicate that in 750 and l000mg/kg doses of T.T. fruit extract groups FBS and 2hrPPBS reduced significantly [p=0.000] compere to glibenclamide group. T.T. fruit extract at the doses of 750 and l000mg/kg has antihyperglycemic effect in diabetic rats

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

chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Satureja intermedia C. A. Mey

The genus Satureja belongs to Lamiaceae family. 12 species exist in Iran of which 8 are endemic. Some of this genus had shown antibacterial effects. In this study chemical compounds and antibacterial activity of essential oil of Satureja intermedia was identified. Satureja intermedia has been collected from the elevation of Ardabil province in August 2006. Then air-dried aerial parts of the plant were submitted to hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus to produce the essential oil and was analysed by GC/MASS. Investigation of antimicrobial activity was conducted by Disc-diffusion, MIC and MBC technique and different antibiotics compared with antimicrobial activity of this essential oil. In this study, 34 constituents were found representing 99.8% of the oil. The major components were thymol [25.6%], para-Cymene [21.44%], gamma-Terpinene [20%], Carvacrol [9.48%], alpha-Terpinene [7.94%] and Myrcene [3.58%]. The antibacterial test results showed that essential oil of this plant had a great potential antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Results presented here may suggest that the essential oil of Satureja intermedia possess antibacterial properties and is therefore a potential source of antibacterial ingredients for the food and pharmaceutical industry

[Medicinal application of native plants [lamiaceae and rosaceae family] in alamut region in gazvin province]

Considering the fact that traditional knowledge forms the basis for development of new natural products; in the other hands the elder people in some villages possess the traditional knowledge and with death of them, this knowledge is rapidly eroding. So it is an urgent necessity to record and conserving as quickly as possible all information about plants. Consideration and study of connections between usage and cultures believes about medicinal plants [Ethnobotany] is interesting and important basis for research. The aim of this research was studied of two family [Lamiaceae and Rosaceae] in some Alamut villages to know how the people use of these plants for their treatment. The investigated area was divided into different villages with the help of map. Questionnaires were used and devised to identify and document the traditional knowledge of local people. Information and data on various aspects of the plants such as traditional uses, and collection method and time of each species in the area were gathered from the local experienced persons through interviews and discussions. The plants were gathered from different altitude and sites. Then the fully dried specimens were mounted on herbarium sheets. A set of voucher specimens were deposited to IMPH. In this investigation 11 medicinal species of Lamiaceae and 10 medicinal species of Rosaceae family were found that used frequently by native people. In this region there are some rare plants that can be subjected for investigations by researcher for their effects that may be interesting for their therapeutic effects

Study on chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of thymus Trautvetteri Klokov and Desj - Shost

The genus Thymus belongs to Lamiaceae family. This genus is comprised of about 350 species widespread in the world. 14 species exist in Iran of which four are endemic. In this study chemical compounds and antibactrial activity in essential oil of Thymus trautvetteri was identified. Thymus trautvetteri has been collected from the highlands of Ardabil province in June 2006. Then air-dried aerial parts of the plant were submitted to hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus to produce the essential oil and the extract was analysed by GC/MASS. Investigation of antimicrobial activity was conducted by Disc-diffusion, MIC and MBC technique and different antibiotics compared with antimicrobial activity of this essential oil. Results: In this study, 49 constituents were found representing 99.76% of the oil. The major components were thymol [24.43%], borneol [11.36%], para-cymene [10.09%] and gamma-terpinene [7.78%], alpha-pinene [5.29%] and carvacrol [5.07%]. The antibacterial activity of essential oil of this plant was assayed against seven bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus resulted to be the most sensitive microorganism with a MIC value of 125 micro g/ml. This study showed that essential oil of this plant have strong inhibitory and bactricidal effects against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Identification of chemical compounds of this species showed that thymol represented the most abundant compounds as the other Thymus species. The antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Thymus trautvetteri can be attributed of thymol and other terpenoides compounds