[Comparison of efficacy between herbal capsule of anise and mefenamic acid on after-pain]

Background: postpartum after pain relief is effective in convenience of the mother and improve her interaction with the newborn. One of the ways of pain relief is using herbal medicines

Objective: this study was conducted to compare the effect of mefenamic acid [the common pain reliever] and anise capsule on postpartum after-pain

Methods: in this clinical trial, a randomized, double-blind study was conducted. The sample included 96 Mothers in the state of two hours after their vaginal delivery. Their intensity of the pain was between moderate and savior. Women were entered into two groups of mefenamic acid and anise capsule. The capsules were used 4 times a day [each 6 hours one capsule]. The pain intensity was evaluated before intervention and one hour after each intervention by the visual analogue scale [VAS]. Data was analyzed by the Statistical Package for Social Scientists [SPSS version 17]

Results: the two groups were matched in the number of parity and intensity of the pain before intervention. Results revealed that the Reduction of the pain was significantly higher in the anise capsule group [P<0.05]. Reduction of the pain had no relation with the number of parity [P>0.05] and both mefenamic acid and anise capsule consume the same time to effect

Conclusion: the anise capsule is effective in order to relief postpartum after-pain

[ survey on inhalation effect of essence of peppermint on nausea and vomiting after abdominal surgery in patients who have been admitted to Besaat and Tohid hospitals in Sanandaj]

Nausea and vomiting is among the most common complications in patients recovering from general anaesthesia, 30-70 of patients experience nausea and vomiting after surgery. Although variety of medications have been used to control this complication, it still remains as a problem. Armothpy a non pharmacologic intervention is suggested for treatment of many conditions and Pepprmint may be effectivein treatment of common digestive conditions. This aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of inhaling peppermint essence for prevention of nausea and vomiting after abdominal surgery in patients admitted in Beasssat and Tohid hospitals in Sanandaj in 2011. A randomized clinical trial was conducted to examine the efficacy of Peppermint essence inhalation for prevention of post- surgical nausea and vomiting. The sample of the study consisted of 90 patients, which were randomly allocated to receive peppermint inhalation or saline normal. A 2 x 2 gauze pad saturated with two drops of pure pharmacy-grade peppermint essence was used for 1 minute in intervention group. For patients in control group a 2 x 2 gauze pad saturated with 0. 9% normal saline was used. A visual analog scale was used to rate nausea. Patients were followed in recovery and surgical ward for occurrence of nausea and vomiting. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 17. There was not statistical difference between two groups in terms of confounding variables such as body mass index, length of anesthesia as well as type of anesthesia. 6. 7% of patients in peppermint group and 0% of patients in control group experienced mild nausea. Manwitney statistical test, showed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of nausea in recovery room. The results indicated there was significant difference between the two groups in the severity of nausea in surgical ward. There was not a significant difference between two groups in term of numbers of vomiting. The findings of the study showed no diferrence between peppermint and saline in terms of prevetion of nausea and vomiting. One reason can either be ineffective breathing patterns of patients after anesthesia or insufficient dose of peppermint which has affected the results of this study. It seems more studies with various shapes and amounts of peppermint are required in this regard

[Chemical components of the essential oil from fruits and leaves of rhus coriaria]

Rhus coriaria was growth in some areas of Iran. Fruit powder is used as a flavor in foods. Fruits are used as traditional drug, too. Some researches have isolated some phytochemicals from thye herb. There isn't any report about identification of the essential oil of this plant. Identification of the essential oil of seeds and leaves from Rhus coriaria. The essential oil of frits and leaves from R. coriaria was obtained by hydrodistillation, separately. The oils were analyzed by GC/MS. Method of identification was based on comparison of mass spectra with standard and using of retention indices. Yields of essential oil extraction from both leaves and fruits of sumac were about 0.2%. 65 Components in leaves and 54 components in fruits were identified. Major component of the oils was beta-caryophyllene [32.2% in leaves and 20.2% in fruits]. Other major components in leaves are caryophyllene oxide, cembrene and alpha -humulene in leaves; and cembrene, [E, E] 2, 4-decadienal and alpha -terpineol in fruits. The sumac leaves and fruits have essential oil which extractable by hydrodistillation and the essential oils are identifiable and determinable by GC/MS technique. The major components of both essential oils are identical. The result of our study is the same of other researchers on the plants in other countries. beta - caryophyllene and cemberene which identified as major components in our samples, had identified in other research as major components of sumac essential oil, previously

[Effects of valerian on bleeding and systemic manifestations of menstruation]

Primary dysmenorrhea, sometimes with one or more systemic symptoms and is associated with severe bleeding. We conducted a double-blind randomized placebo controlled clinical trial to evaluate the impact of Valerian on the bleeding and systemic manifestations of menstruation. A total of 100 students were randomly assigned to treatment [51 subjects] or placebo group [49 subjects]. The treatment was 255 mg of Valerian 3 times a day over 3 days at the onset of menstruation. Bleeding and systemic manifestations were evaluated with a menstrual pictogram and multidimensional verbal scale before and during 2 consecutive menstrual cycles respectively. Statistical tests showed that severity and duration of bleeding between the two groups were not significantly different [p=>0.05].after treatment in two groups the mean total score for intensity of systemic than before treatment can be reduced [p <0.001], but this decreased statistically between valerian and placebo groups was not significant. Except on fainting variable intensity difference between groups was significant [p <0.05]. This study showed that valerian doesn't increase severity of bleeding and systemic manifestations. Valerian and placebo reduce severity of systemic manifestations but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. It seems more research is need. Valerian can reduce faint with dysmenorrheal

[ preventative role of sesame oil on phlebitis induced by anti-neoplastic agents]

Phlebitis is an inflammatory response to intravenously injected chemotherapy drugs and the reported incidences about 70% among colorectal cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of external use of Sesame Oil [SO] in prevention of chemotherapy-induced phlebitis. This randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 60 patients with colon or rectum cancer, who randomly divided in two equal, control and intervention groups. This protocol was used 10 drops of SO every 12 hours, two times a day, from the first day of chemotherapy up to the four tenth day, whereas control group received nothing. Data tools included a bipartite questionnaire [demographic Q, clinical Q and Infusion Therapy scale] for measurement of phlebitis. The incidence of phlebitis in intervention group were significantly lower than that in control group [p<0.05]. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the median survival was Less than 4 days in the intervention and 8 days more in the control. In addition, there was statistically significant difference between grade and incidence of chemotherapy-induced phlebitis with SO and control group [p<0.05]. This study shows that external use of SO is effective and well tolerated for prophylaxis from chemotherapy- induced phlebitis. Therefore, it can be suggest as a selected Prevention method for reducing the complication

[Identification of substances in the essential oil and antibacterial activities of heptaptera anisoptera [DC.] Turin]

Heptaptera anisoptera from Umbelliferae was growth in some spaces of Iran. Some researches have been carried out on the herb about isolation and structure elucidation of some phytochemicals. There isn't any report about identification of substances in the essential oil and antibacterial activities of this plant. Identification of substances in the essential oil and antibacterial activities of Heptaptera anisoptera [DC] Turin. Literature survey has shown that the herb has not previously been investigated for essential oil and antibacterial activities. The essential oil of aerial parts from Heptaptera anisoptera [DC] Turin. [Umbelliferae] was obtained by hydrodistillation. The oil was analyzed by GC/MS. The effects of methanol, chloroform and hexane extracts of this plant were tested on 10 G[+] and G[-] bacteria in different dilutions. 91.3% of the oil [10 components] was identified. Method of identification was based on comparison of the mass spectra and retention indices of the components with standards. Thymol [48.8%], 3-carene [17.6%], phytol [7.9%], methyl linolenate [5.6%], and methyl palmitate [4.7%] were the major components. None of the extracts are any effect on tested bacteria. While thymol is the major component of some herbs such as thymes and ajowan, other plants can have thymol as major component. In the oil of thymes, carvacrol is reported, too, but it didn't identify in the oil of H. anisoptera. Similar to other essential oils, monoterpenoides were major compounds. As a result of use of long time for oil extraction [3 hours], non-terpenoides components [diterpenoide, fatty acids and esters] came in the oil, too. Despite the fact of antibacterial activity of plants, none extract of H. anisoptera in 4 test models, have significant antibacterial effect

[Efficacy of foeniculum vulgare mill extract on menstrual bleeding over the students of Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran 2005]

Menstrual bleeding is a reaction of periodic falling secretary endometrial for the reason that decreases production of estradiol and progesterone. In traditional medicine, Foeniculum vulgare Mill is used as a tonic, sedative, galactogogue drug and increases menstrual bleeding. This study aimed to determine efficacy of Foeniculum vulgare Mill extract on menstrual bleeding severity and duration over the students of Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran 2005. This study was done as a placebo-control, double blind, randomized clinical trial. Bleeding severity and duration was assessed at baseline and throughout two menstrual cycle of the investigation using validated questionnaires. Ninety women, completed the study [n=46 treatment group, n=44 placebo group]. The medicines capsules containing 46mg of Foeniculum vulgare Mill extract in treatment group, and same shape placebo capsules in placebo group, administered as soon as onset of pain feeling or bleeding, five capsules a day and continued for at least three days. The data analysis with repeated measurements showed that after treatment in none of groups, average of menstrual bleeding severity and duration in comparison with before the treatment did not increase and there was no significant difference between two groups. This study suggested that Foeniculum vulgare extract and placebo do not increase menstrual bleeding severity and duration. Studies showed that Foeniculum vulgare essential oil has ability to inhibit uterus contractions and increase menstrual bleeding, but this study showed that the extract had no effect on menstrual bleeding

[Chemical components of essential oil and antimicrobial effects of rhizomes from cyperus rotundus L.]

Cyperus rotundus L. belongs to Cyperaceae family, which grows in around of Iran and its roots with other herbs uses as antiflatulant and nervous tonic. Identification of chemical components of essential oil and antimicrobial effects of rhizomes from Cyperus rotundus L. The roots and rhizomes of C. rotundus were purchased from Tehran herb shops in June 2007. After confirmation, the essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and was subjected to GC/MS. The antimicrobial effects of the root extract were studied on Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger and Cladosporium herebaceum. The major components of the essential oil were found alpha-cyperone [32.0%] and spathulenol [11/0%]. The study of antimicrobial activity showed that the methanolic extracts have effects on Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus aureus, but any effects on Salomonella, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger and Cladosporium herebaceum were not showed. 25 Components [91.2% of the oil] were identified, totally. Sesquiterpenoides are major components [0.82%], and then monoterpenoids [8.8%]. Alpha-cyperone as major compound of our oil, was identified in the other research on oil of C. rotundus. Inhibitory concentrations for Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus aureus were 31.25 and 125 mg/ml

Fatty acid composition of echium amoenum fisch et. mey. seeds [Boraginaceae]

The seeds of Echium amoenum [Boraginaceae] are used in Iranian Traditional Medicine as diuretic, analgesic, hypotensive and diaphoretic. This study was designed to identification and quantification of composition of fatty acids in the seeds oil of E. amoenum. The seeds of the plant were extracted with n-hexane. After evaporating under reduced pressure, oil was get. Methanolysis of the oil glyceride was carried out in KOH medium and BF3, under reflux condition for 30 min. The esters passed into the upper hexane layer, then analyzed by GC-MS. The seeds of E. amoenum revealed the presence of four fatty acids including one saturated and three unsaturated. The unsaturated fatty acids were present in much greater proportion than saturated ones. Linolenic acid was found to be major unsaturated fatty acid and the palmitic acid as predominant saturated acid

[Effects of chamomile essence aromatherapy on episiotomy pain of primiparous women]

Pain is one of the most common complaints, putting the balance and health of patients at risk. Episiotomy is a frequent surgical procedure causing pain. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods are used today for pain relief. This double-blind clinical trial was conducted to determine the effects of aromatherapy with chamomile essence on episiotomy pain in primiparous women referring to Shaheed Norani Hospital at Talesh town in 2007. 88 pregnant women undergoing episiotomy were selected by convenience sampling method and divided into 2 experimental and control groups. The experimental group was given sitz bath twice a day with chamomile essence while the other group used the same procedure with placebo. Both groups were taught pain severity assessment with a 10-point scale. The severity was assessed and documented in both groups on the 1[st], 7[th] and 14[th] days. A questionnaire, a health facility assessment form, a visual scale for pain and an analgesic consumption sheet were used for data collection. Content validity and inter-rater reliability were used for the tools. The severities of pain in the experimental and control groups on the 7[th] and 14[th] days were [2.20 +/- 0.79, 2.30 +/- 0.82] and [0.48 +/- 0.59, 0.73 +/- 0.66] respectively with no significant difference. It seems that chamomile essence have no effect on the relief of episiotomy pain. Further studies in this regard are warranted

[Effects of anise abstract on menopausal hot flashes]

Respecting the incidence of hot flashes in postmenopausal women and its effect on their socioeconomic lives and the controversies regarding its treatment, this double-blind clinical trial was conducted to determine the effects of Anise abstract on hot flashes in these women referring to rural and urban health centers of Qazvin province during 2006. 72 postmenopausal women with hot flashes at different severities were randomly selected according to pre-determined criteria and divided into two groups of experimental and control. Their medical records at health centers were used for sampling. Each woman in the experimental group took a capsule containing 100 mg Anise 3 times a day while, in the control group, women took 3 placebo capsules, each containing 330 mg starch. They took the capsules over 4 weeks. Before taking the capsules, they were assessed for a week about the frequency of hot flashes and the types of food they took. Data were collected by a questionnaire and an information form. Content and test-retest methods were used for validity and reliability of the tools. ANOVA and t-student test were applied for statistical analysis. Demographic information of the subjects included: mean age=51.63, amenorrhea duration=2.39, body mass index=27.13, number of pregnancies=6.56, percentage of the married=95.8 and percentage of primary education=37.7. 80.6% of hot flashes occurred at nights. In the experimental group, the frequency and severity of hot flashes before treatment were 4.21% and 56.21% and, after that, were 1.06% and 14.44% at the end of the fourth week, respectively. There was no significant change in the frequency and severity of hot flashes in the control group. Anise is effective on the frequency and severity of hot flashes in postmenopausal women. These women can be taught to choose different alleviating methods, preferably. Further studies with longer duration of treatment for assessing hot flashes are warranted

[ comparative study of therapeutic effects of Zataria Multiflora vaginal cream and metronidazole vaginal gel on bacterial vaginosis]

Bacterial vaginosis [BV] is one of most prevalent complications among fertile women. Metronidazole prescription which is considered the first choice remedy for BV is usually followed by few side-effects. Besides, there is a growing tendency toward herbal medicines for treatment of vaginitis. Antibacterial and antifugal effects of Zataria multiflora have been demonstrated through in-vitro and in-vivo. This study aimed to compare therapeutic effects of Zataria Multiflora vaginal cream and Metronidazole vaginal cream on bacterial vaginosis. This was a randomized clinical trial on 90 married women aged 18-40, affected by bacterial vaginosis who attended for treatment to gynecology clinic of "Shabih-Khani hospital". They randomly divided into two groups each consisted 45 participants. Diagnostic criteria were Amsel's criteria and gram-stain. Zataria Multiflora vaginal cream or Metronidazole vaginal gel was prescribed for a five-night period for each group. After 2 to 7 days of administration, therapeutic effects, complications and the Amsel criteria were reassessed. Data analysis was performed by McNemar test to compare both the complications, Amsel's criteria and gram-stain in each group in their before and after treatment course. Fisher exact test was applied to compare the therapeutic effects between two groups. Complication and the Amsel criteria significantly decreased after treating by Zataria Multiflora vaginal cream or Metronidazole vaginal gel [P<0.05]. Relative risk for unresponsiveness treatment with Zataria Multiflora, to Metronidazole treatment was 1.5 [CI 95%: 0.27-8.27] which was not significant and both had therefore, similar therapeutic effects on VB. Zataria Multiflora vaginal cream has similar therapeutic effects to Metronidazole vaginal gel on VB. Thus, it could be an appropriate choice for VB treatment for those interested in herbal medicines or affected by side-effects of Metronidazole

[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

Quantitation of delta[7]-sterols in seeds oil of Cucurbita pepo

One of the famous medicinal plants is Cucurbita pepo [Cucurbitaceae], which its seeds used as diuretic and anthelminthic. Recently, the seeds have used as symptomatic relief of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia. It is said, seeds' steroids are responsible for these effects. This research was performed for identification and quantitation of sterols in Cucurbita pepo cultivated in Iran and comparison those of Hungarian origin. Seeds oil was extracted by Soxhelet apparatus with methylene chloride. Peponene [soft gel capsule of pumpkin oil] was purchased from Hungary. Derivatization of standard sterols and oils were performed by hexamethyl disilasane and trimethyl chlorosilane and samples were injected to GC/MS. Analysis of the Hungarian pumpkin oil shows three sterols, campestrol [0.82], stigmasterol [0.78] and avanestrol [0.84 mg/g oil]. Analysis of the Iranian pumpkin oil shows campestrol [0.38] and stigmasterol [0.67 mg/g oil], and avanestrol is absent

[Clinical effects of foeniculum vulgare extract an systemic symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea in students of Shaheed Beheshti University in Tehran]

Primary dysmenorrhea [PD] is a common gynecology problem in women. It is defined as a menstrual pain that occur in the absence of a pelvica disorder. PD causes school absence and restriction for many women and girls. Pain is the main complaint of PD but other systemic symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, irritability and dizziness are common. Many chemical drugs have been used to manage dysmenorrhea, but most of them have side effects. Foeniculum vulgare is a plant used as an anti spasmodic agent. In this placebo-control, double - blind, randomized clinical trial, the effects of foeniculum vulgare extract on severity of symptoms of PF were evaluated. Severity of symptoms was assessed at baseline and throughout two menstrual cycles by using validated questionnaires. 90 single women between 17-30 suffered from primary dysmenorrhea participated in the study [n=44 experiment, n=46 placebo].The agent [capsules contained 46mg of foeniculum vulgare in the experimental group, and similar capsules in placebo group] was administered as soon as the onset of pain or bleeding five times a day for maximum of three days. Severity of systematic symptoms was assessed with Andersch and Milsom's verbal multidimensional scoring system. In order to analyze data, Friedman as well as Mann-Whitney tests and ANOVA with repeated measurements were used. Mean age was 20.78 +2.33 in the treatment group and 20.57+ 2.02 in the placebo. In comparison with baseline, the severity of all systematic symptoms decreased in both groups [except for the headache which increased slightly] but this reduction was not significant between the two groups. Statistical significance was not observed for systematic symptoms except for one of them, fatigue, which was in borderline limit [p=0.058]. In this study, no side effects of foeniculum vulgare wasseen. The foeniculum vulgare extract does not have sufficient effect on relief of systematic symptoms accompanying with dysmenorrhea except for fatigue which is decreased

Composition of the Volatile Oil of Thymus daenensis Celak. subsp. daenensis

Thymus daenensis Celak. subsp. daenensis is one of the endogenous Thymus species in Iran. The plant is traditionally used as carminative, digestive, antispasmodic, antitussive and expectorant in Iran. To study the Composition of the Volatile Oil of Thymus daenensis Celak. subsp. Daenensis. In this study, the hydrodistilled oil of the aerial parts of T. daenensis subsp. daenensis was analyzed using GC/FID and GC/MS. The result indicates that the oil contains over twenty-six components [99.7%]. The main components were thymol [74.7%], p-cymene [6.5%], B-caryophyllene [3.8%] and methyl carvacrol [3.6%]. This species has rich in phenolic substances specially thymol which might considered as a substitute for Thymus vulgaris

Physicochemical quality control of senna products from Iranian phytopharmaceutics

There is an increasing attention to and usage of herbal drugs around the world. Medicinal products containing senna herb are very popular herbal remedies. In order to assess the quality of Iranian herbal products, as a part of national effort to achieve profile of quality of pharmaceuticals, this study was designed to evaluate the quality of products containing senna herb. Samples were purchased directly from drugstores in Tehran in 2002. The comparative study was conducted according to pharmacopoeial procedures. Also Iranian products were compared to appropriate forign known-brands. Some defects were observed in Iranian products in respects to uniformity of contents and weights, and even content of the dosage forms. But in total, most of the products were found to be acceptable and at appropriate quality

[Variaion of essential oil percentage and constituent at different growth stages of dill [Anethum graveolens L.]]

Anethum graveolens L. an annual, herbaceouse and aromatic plant is belong to Apiaceae family. All Parts of Dill plant are fragrant. Carvone, Phellandren and Limone compounds are major constituents of Dill essential oil. Previous studies shown that serious variations take place on quantity and quality of Dill essential oil. Therefore, in this research variation on essential oil Percentage and constituent at three stage of plant growth studied. Result shown that best growth stage or harvest time for obtaine highest essential oil and Carvon yield is early seed forming stage [green seeds] or before complet ripening stage [brown seeds]