ABSTRACT
Background: Physical exercise and herbal treatment with antioxidant property induce a favorable effect on glucose metabolism in diabetic patients
Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of resistance training combined with green tea extract consumption on blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic rats
Methods: Forty male Wistar diabetic rats aged 5 months and weights 290 +/- 20 were divided into 4 groups named as: resistance training, resistance training + green tea, green tea and control. The resistance training and resistance training + green tea groups engaged in exercise for 5 weeks with three times per week moving up the ladder with weight hanging their tail. Green tea extract [100 mg/kg] was gavaged once a day for 5 weeks. Forty eight hours after the last training session and green tea gavages, the fasting blood samples was collected for determination of blood glucose, cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglyceride levels
Results: Fasting blood glucose level significantly decreased in all three groups compared with control group, where as triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL-C level significantly decrease in resistance training + green tea group compared to control group
Conclusion: Green tea extract and resistance training improve hyperglycemia and in combination improve lipid profile in diabetic rats
ABSTRACT
Background: Bisphoenol A [BPA] is a xenobiotic estrogenic compound and can also cause oxidative stress in testis tissue
Objective: This study was preformed to investigate the effect ginger extract against toxicity induced with BPA in mice testis tissue
Methods: Forty adult male mice [NMRI] were divided into 4 equal groups such as: control, bisphoenol A [240 mg/kg/day], ginger extract [500mg/kg/day] and bisphoenol A+ ginger extract. The mouse were treated orally for 34 days. Finally, the rats were weighted and right testis was removed, fixed, sectioned and stained according to Heiden Hain Azan methods. Subsequently the testicular tissue different parameters were studied using stereological methods. Serum malondialdehyde [MDA] and testosterone levels were also determined. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and means difference was considered significant when P<0.05
Results: The testis weight, total volume of testis, volume of seminiferous tubules and its diameter and height of the germinal epithelium, total number spermatids, spermatocytes, sertoli cells and spermatogenesis indexs significantly decreased in bisphoenol A group compared to the control group [P<0.04]. A significant increase in MDA and significant decrease in the serum testosterone levels was found in bisphoenol A group compared with control group [P<0.001]. Above parameters were partially compensated in BPA+GE group compared with BPA group
Conclusion: Ginger extract seems to have a protective role in bisphenol A induced toxicity in testis tissues. so ginger may be useful in improving the adverse effects of bisphenol A on male reproductive system
ABSTRACT
Background: Exercise and consumption of green tea affect the aging process. However, the effect of exercise training combined with green tea extract on leukocyte telomere length, quality of life [QoL] and body composition in aging has so far been unclear and inconsistent. Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of aerobic training intervention and green tea extracts consumption either alone or in combination on leukocyte telomere length, QoL and body composition among elderly women
Methods: Thirty six elderly women, 60-65 years, were randomly divided into two groups, the exercise alone [placebo group] and exercise with green tea consumption [green tea group]. All participants in both groups were engaged to aerobic protocol exercise three times in week for five months. The participants in green tea group received green tea extract capsule 500 mg and placebo group received toasted powder capsule 500 mg three times a day for a period of five months. At baseline and end of the study the leukocyte telomere length, QoL and body composition were measured
Results: There were significant increase on leukocyte telomere length in green tea group compared with the baseline [P=0.004] and also placebo group [P=0.041] at the end of the study. Waist-hip ratio was also significantly decreased in green tea group compared with placebo group [P=0.016]
Conclusion: Our findings shows that combination of aerobic training with consumption of green tea has synergic effect on waist-hip ratio and leukocyte telomere length associated with aging among elderly women
ABSTRACT
Background: Evidences show that Aloe vera [A. vera], Camellia sinensis, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Sophora alopecuroides may prevent gastric ulcer induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]
Objective: To examine the protective potential of these plants against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in the rat
Methods: Saline, A. vera leaf gel powder and 70% alcoholic extracts of the other 3 plants [100, 400, 800 mg/kg] and omeprazole [30 mg/kg] were gavaged to the groups of 10 animals for 4consecutive days. Gastric ulcers were induced by the onetime gavage of indomethacin [30mg/kg]. On the fifth day, each group was pretreated with physiological saline as control, extract[100, 400 or 800 mg/kg] or omeprazole [30 mg/kg] 30 min before the indomethacin administration. The animals were killed 6 h after the indomethacin administration. The stomachs were removed, opened along the greater curvature and washed in physiological saline. A person unaware of the type of treatment received by the animals examined the stomachs under a 3-fold magnifier. The areas and lengths of hemorrhagic lesions induced by indomethacin were measured using a dial caliper and the sum of measurements for each animal was referred to as the ulcer index
Results: All doses of the A. vera leaf gel powder and extracts reduced the ulcer index significantly compared to the control group [p < 0.05]
Conclusion: These plants have protective effect against NSAID-induced gastric ulcer in the rat. The A. vera leaf gel seems noticeably more effective than the other 3 plants in this respect
Subject(s)
Animals, Laboratory , Aloe , Camellia sinensis , Hibiscus , Sophora , Rats, Wistar , Indomethacin , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal , Protective AgentsABSTRACT
Background: Rosa canina L. [rose hip] has been traditionally used to treat diabetes mellitus in Iran. However, no scientific human study has determined its efficacy in diabetic patients
Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of R. canina fruit aqueous extract in type 2 diabetic patients
Methods: Sixty patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 35 - 60 years with fasting blood glucose levels between 130 to 200 mg/dL and HbA1c between 7 - 9% despite using conventional oral hypoglycemic drugs were divided randomly to two groups. Two groups of 25 and 23 patients completing the trial received 750 mg R. canina fruit extract and 750 mg toast powder as placebo two times a day respectively for three months. Fasting blood glucose [FBG] and glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c] as primary outcomes and postprandial blood glucose [PBG], lipid profile and hepatic and renal function tests as secondary outcomes were determined at baseline and at endpoint of treatment. The patients were asked to note down any gastrointestinal or other side effects during the study
Results: The FBG level decreased significantly [P = 0.002] in R. canina group after 3 months compared to the baseline. In addition total cholesterol/HDL-C was significantly [P = 0.02] decreased in the R. canina group compared to the baseline. Other blood parameters were not significantly changed during the study compared with placebo and baseline. No serious side effects were reported in both groups during the study
Conclusion: Rosa canina 3-month administration to type 2 diabetic patients may reduce fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol/HDL-C without any side effect
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Lipids , Blood Glucose , Fruit , Plant Extracts , Medicine, Traditional , CholesterolABSTRACT
Melaleuca alternifolia [tea tree] essential oil has been traditionally used in the ayurvedic system of medicine for healing burns, infections and seborrheic dermatitis. But yet, no controlled human study has determined its efficacy. The goal of the current study was to compare the efficacy of 5% tea tree essential oil [TTO] gel with placebo in the treatment of mild to moderate facial seborrheic dermatitis. Fifty four patients with mild to moderate facial seborrheic dermatitis reffered to Skin Diseases Research Center, in the Qazvin city, Iran, were randomly divided into two groups and treated with either 5% TTO gel or placebo three times daily for 4 weeks. The patients follow-ups were conducted in both groups after 2 and 4 weeks with evaluating of erythema, scaling, itching and greasy crusts. Forty two patients completed the treatment course. There were significant differences between the TTO and placebo groups in the improvement of erythema, scaling, itching and greasy crusts [p < 0.05]. Allergic side - effects were seen in neither group. 5% TTO gel is effective in the treatment of mild to moderate facial seborrheic dermatitis
ABSTRACT
Type 2 diabetes is a global health problem and a major cause of illness. Exercise, diet and medication are the three pillars in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of aerobic training combined with green tea hydroalcoholic extract consumption on blood glucose and lipid profile on diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in 40 male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of 50 ml/kg streptozocin. After two weeks the diabetic rats with fasting blood glucose of 150 to 300 mg/dl were divided into 4 groups of 10 rats each and named as: aerobic exercise, aerobic exercise with green tea, green tea, and control. Aerobic exercise was performed as running on Treadmill for 5 days a week daily for 30-90 minutes with Treadmill speed of 18 -24 meters per minute. Green tea extract [100 mg/kg] was gavages once a day for 5 weeks. At baseline and endpoint fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c and triglyceride levels were determined in all groups. Fasting blood glucose level decreased significantly in all groups but triglyceride and cholesterol decreased in aerobic exercise and aerobic exercise + green tea groups at end point compared with baseline and also compared with control group. Fasting blood LDL-c level significantly decreased and HDL-c level significantly increase, in aerobic exercise and aerobic exercise with green tea at end point compared with baseline and also compared with control and green tea group. Aerobic exercise favorably affects glucose and lipid profile and in combination with green tea it has synergistic effects
ABSTRACT
There is an increasing interest in identifying potent cancer preventive and therapeutic agents. Silymarin is a flavonoids complex extracted from the milk thistle [Silybum marianum L.] seeds. Silymarin was found clinically successful in the treatment of various liver diseases. Silymarin is in the focus of cancer researchers due to its high antioxidant properties. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of silymarin on 4T1 cells and compared with taxol. 4T1 cell line [BALB/c mouse mammary tumors] was cultured in RPMI medium containing FBS 10%. Cells were incubated with 5% CO2 in presence of different concentration of silymarin [25-50-75-100-125 micro g/ml], taxol [1.25-2.5-5-10-20 nM] and combination of silymarin and taxol separately for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Cell viability was assessed using trypan blue and MTT staining. The cells morphology was studied using fluorescent dye [Hochest, propidium iodide]. Silymarin and taxol showed significant cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cell in a dose and time dependent manner. Condensation and deformation of the nuclei were also observed similarly for both treatments. In combination treatment silymarin enhanced the sensitivity of 4T1 cells to taxol in all doses. The cytotoxic effect of silymarin on mouse mammary tumors was comparable to taxol cytotoxicity. Treatment cells with combination of silymarin and taxol improved the cytotoxic effect of taxol
ABSTRACT
Due to high prevalence of diabetes with hyperlipidemia and associated high risk of cardiovascular disease, much interest exists for safe medications including medicinal plants. Considering traditional use of Citrullus colocynthis L. [C. colocynthis] for treatment of diabetes and hyperlipidemia despite toxicity, clinical evaluation of safety and efficacy of the processed C. colocynthis fruit is necessary. In this clinical trial the safety and efficacy of the processed C. colocynthis fruit in hyperlipidemic type II diabetic patients were evaluated. 60 hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients were randomly allocated to C. colocynthis and placebo groups, but only 28 patients in each group completed the study. The patients in C. colocynthis and placebo groups were treated with processed C. colocynthis [100 mg] and placebo capsules [100 mg] three times a day respectively for 1 month. The fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels as primary outcome and aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and creatinine levels as secondary outcome were measured in both groups at the baseline and the endpoint. In the C. colocynthis group fasting blood glucose, cholesterol and LDL levels were significantly reduced at the endpoint compared with the baseline. There were no significant changes in any blood parameters in C. colocynthis group compared with placebo at the endpoint. There were no gastrointestinal, liver and kidney function adverse effects during the study in both groups. The results suggest that processed C. colocynthis fruit extract may be a safe anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic agent in hyperlipidemic type II diabetic patients
ABSTRACT
Glycyrrhiza glabra L. [G. glabra] root has been used in traditional medicine for treatment of several diseases. The main active constituent of G. glabra is glycyrrhizic acid with antioxidant property. The cytotoxic effects of several compound isolated from different plants have been attributed to their antioxidant properties. The present work was aimed to investigate the in-vitro cytotoxic screening of G. glabra root extract against 4T1 cell line derived from BALB/c mice mammary tumors. 4T1 cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium with 10% FBS and penicillin/streptomycin. Then cells treated with different concentration of G. glabra extract [50, 100, 200, 400, 800 micro g/ml], taxol [1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 nM] alone and in combination G. glabra and taxol for 24, 48, 72 hrs. Viability of the cells was measured through trypanblue and MTT staining. The cells morphology was studied using fluorescent dye. G. glabra root extract and taxol showed significant cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells. Condensation and deformation of the nuclei were also observed similarly for both treatments. Moreover in combination therapy, G. glabra extract enhances taxol induced cytotoxicity in cancerous cells. G. glabra root extract and taxol showed cytotoxicity effects and morphological changes in 4T1 cells. This reduction in the viability of the cells was dependent on dose and time
ABSTRACT
Intra uterine device is a safe, effective and reversible method of family planning. Unfortunately, IUD insertion associated with anxiety. The lavender essential oil has anti-anxiety and analgesic effect however it's anti anxiety efficacy before intra uterine device insertion is to be evaluated. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-anxiety effect of lavender essential oil before intra uterine device insertion. Total 135 Iranian women candidate for intra uterine device insertion that had eligible criteria were randomly recruited into three lavender, placebo and control group. Data was collected by demographic questionnaire, spiel Berger questionnaire. The candidate apparent and acute anxiety was determined according to 20 questions present in Spiel Berger Questionnaire before and after aromatherapy just before intra uterine device insertion. The 20 questions were given four options including slight, moderate, high and very high with score 20 to 80. The women were given a box containing a cotton ball soaked with three drops of lavender essential oil or sesame oil. The women's were asked to inhale the box for 5 minute from 7 to 10 centimeter from nose. The apparent and acute anxiety was determined in all three groups before and after aromatherapy just before intra uterine device insertion compared to each other. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software and descriptive and analytic statistics methods. The average anxiety score was decreased in lavender group after aromatherapy compared to before aromatherapy [p<0.001] and also as compared to placebo and control groups [p<0.001]. The Results of this study suggest that aromatherapy with inhalation of lavender essential oil is effective as anti- anxiety before IUD insertion
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Anxiety , Oils, Volatile , Intrauterine Devices , Anti-Anxiety Agents , Surveys and Questionnaires , AromatherapyABSTRACT
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency or cellular resistance. Silymarin is an effective agent that reduces cell resistance to insulin and improves lipid profile. In this study the effects of silymarin on insulin resistance and blood lipid profile in first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetic patients were evaluated. This randomized clinical trial was performed on first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetic patients [n=60] with BMI above 25 kg/m[2]. After completing questionnaire and obtaining written consent, participants were randomly assigned to give placebo or silymarin group. The patients in silymarin group received two 140 mg capsules of silymarin daily and placebo group 140 mg placebo capsules similarly for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL, HDL, insulin and 2hpp blood glucose level were determined before and after the study. In silymarin treated group, insulin resistance and serum insulin level were reduced significantly [p < 0.05] compared with beginning as well as compared with placebo group. The blood glucose level and lipid profile didn't change significantly after silymarin therapy compared with placebo group. According to our results silymarin positively influence insulin resistance and insulin level in first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetic patients but its effect on lipid profile need further studies
Subject(s)
Humans , Insulin Resistance , Lipids/blood , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Body Mass Index , Surveys and Questionnaires , Insulin/bloodABSTRACT
Data suggest that V. arctostaphylos, B. thunbergii var. atropurpurea, E. angustifolia and L. acanthodes may prevent gastric ulcers induced by Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]. To explore the ulcer-protective potential of these plants in indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Saline, hydro-alcoholic extract of each plant [100, 400, 800 mg/kg] and omeprazole [30 mg/kg] were gavaged to the groups of animals for 4 consecutive days. Gastric ulcers were induced by the onetime gavage of indomethacin [30 mg/kg, p.o.]. On the fifth day, each group was pretreated with physiological saline as control, extract [100, 400 or 800 mg/kg, p.o.] or omeprazole [30 mg/kg, p.o.] 30 min before the indomethacin administration. The animals were killed 6 h after the indomethacin administration. The stomachs were removed, opened along the greater curvature and washed in physiological saline. A person unaware of the type of treatment received by the animals examined the stomachs under a 3-fold magnifier. The areas and lengths of hemorrhagic lesions induced by indomethacin were measured using a dial caliper and the sum of measurements for each animal was referred to as the ulcer index. All extracts reduced the ulcer index significantly compared to the control group [p <0.05]. These plants prevent NSAID-induced gastric ulcers in rats. The efficacy and potency of the gastro-protective effect of L. acanthodes appears to be higher than the other 3 plants
Subject(s)
Male , Animals, Laboratory , Vaccinium , Berberis , Elaeagnaceae , Indomethacin , Stomach Ulcer/chemically induced , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal , Rats, Wistar , Protective Agents , Plant Extracts , Herbal Medicine , Medicine, TraditionalABSTRACT
Nigella sativa [N. sativa] seeds are used to treat diabetes mellitus in traditional medicine. Moreover, N. sativa oil has reduced the fasting blood glucose level in non-diabetic volunteers. The present study was undertaken to explore the possible anti-hyperglycemic effect of N. sativa oil in type 2 diabetic patients. A randomized clinical trial was conducted in 70 type 2 diabetic patients referring to Baqiyatallah Hospital. The subjects were enrolled into two groups of 35 each. One group received 2.5 ml N. sativa oil and the other group received similarly 2.5 ml mineral oil two times a day for three months. The fasting and 2 hour postprandial blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c], lipid profile, BMI [body mass index], liver and renal function test were determined at the baseline and after three months. The blood levels of fasting and 2 hours postprandial glucose and HbA1c were significantly decreased in the N. sativa group compared with the placebo group at the end of the study. The BMI of the N. sativa group was decreased significantly from baseline. No side effects were reported. N. sativa oil improves glycernic control in type 2 diabetic patients without any side effects
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Seeds , Plant Oils , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Double-Blind Method , Blood Glucose , Glycated Hemoglobin , Body Mass Index , Medicine, TraditionalABSTRACT
Intestinal alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase are two carbohydrate-hydrolysing enzymes that play a key role in conversion of disaccharide to glucose. Inhibition of these two enzymes provides a therapeutic option for treatment of postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of different Aloe vera L. extracts against alpha -amylase and alpha -glucosidase in vitro. Aloevera L. leaf was collected from the Institute of Medicinal Plants farm and several extracts were prepared by n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol solvents. The inhibitory effects of the extracts were tested on alpha -amylase and alpha -glucosidase enzyme separately. In this experiment, the minimum concentration of the extract required for 50% inhibition of enzyme activity [IC[50]], was obtained and compared with acarbose as a positive control. The results showed that total methanol extract of Aloe vera L. leaf had significantly [p<0.001] higher alpha-amylase inhibitory [28.2 +/- 1.3 microg/ml] effect than other solvent fractions but lower than acarbose [25.4 +/- 1.9 microg/ml]. Furthermore total methanol extract and solvent fractions of methanol and ethyl acetate of Aloe vera L. leaf had significantly [p<0.001] higher inhibitory effect on alpha -glucosidase enzyme activity [2.3 +/- 0.1 microg/ml, 2.7 +/- 0.1 microg/ml, 3.4 +/- 0.1 microg/ml, respectively] than other solvent fractions as well as compared with acarbose [5.8 +/- 0.6 microg/ml]. Total methanol extracts of Aloe vera L leaf has strong alpha -amylase and alpha -glucosidase inhibitory activity than chloroform, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol solvent fraction
Subject(s)
Plant Leaves , Plant Extracts , alpha-Amylases , alpha-Glucosidases , Enzyme Inhibitors , Plant ExtractsABSTRACT
Diabetes mellitus type 2 with dyslipidemia is a common disease. Previous studies suggest that chemical constituent present in pinus eldarica [P. eldarica] nut posesess antioxidant properties and positively affect glucose metabolism. However blood glucose and cholesterol lowering effects of P. eldarica nut have not been studied so far. The present study was undertaken to explore the possiblility of anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects of the P. eldarica nut extract in hypercholesterolemic diabetic rats. Sixty male wistar rats six months of age from central animal house of the institute of medicinal plants were selected. 10 rats were kept as normal group and diabetes was induced in the remaining rats by intraperitonial injection of 120 mg/kg aloxan monohydrate. After one week the diabetic rats with fasting blood glucose between 180 to 250 mg/kg were assigned to 5 groups of 10 rats each and were fed on hypercholesterolemic diet. One group was kept as control group [untreated diabetic rats] and P. eldarica nut extract in doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg was gavaged daily to the remaining rats. After one month, the fasting blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were determined in all groups. The results indicate that fasting blood glucose in 200 and 400 mg/kg P. eldarica nut extract treated groups significantly decreased [P=0.000 and P=0.000] and fasting blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels did not change significantly compared with control group. P. eldarica nut extract lowers blood glucose level withought affecting blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels in hypercholesterolemic diabetic rats
Subject(s)
Male , Animals, Laboratory , Blood Glucose , Cholesterol , Alloxan , Rats, Wistar , Hypercholesterolemia , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental , Nuts , Plant ExtractsABSTRACT
Advanced type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] needing insulin therapy is a common disease. Previous studies indicate that aloe [Aloe vera L.] leaf gel may positively affect the blood glucose and lipid levels in patients with advanced T2DM needing insulin. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of aloe leaf gel in the treatment of type 2 diabetic patients resistant to oral synthetic anti-hyperglycemic drugs needing insulin. In this randomized double - blind placebo-controlled clinical trial with the patients aged 40-60 years, the efficacy and safety of taking aloe leaf gel [one 300 mg capsule every 12 hours for 2 months] combined with oral synthetic anti-hyperglycemic drugs in treatment of 35 patients were evaluated and compared with the placebo group [n = 35]. The aloe leaf gel lowered the blood levels of fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin significantly [p = 0.041 and p = 0.023 respectively] without any significant effects on the lipid profile and liver/kidney function tests [p > 0.05] compared with placebo at the endpoint. No adverse effects were reported. The results suggest that aloe leaf gel may safely improve glycemic control in patients with advanced T2DM needing insulin
ABSTRACT
Cadmium has toxicological significance and there is no effective therapy for its poisoning. The effects of silymarin on the parameters indicative of cadmium-induced toxicity were studied in rats. 130 adult male Wistar rats were divided into 13 groups each comprising 10 rats. 1 group as control group was not administered neither cadmium nor silymarin. Cadmium chloride [3mg/kg/week] was administered intraperitoneally to 12 groups for 6 weeks. The 12 groups were divided into two sets of 6 groups. In the first set, one group was kept as control and silymarin in the doses of 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 mg/kg/week was administered orally to each group for 6 weeks. In the second set, one group was kept as control and the aforementioned doses of silymarin were administered orally to each group for 6 weeks after 6 weeks of cadmium administration. Blood samples were taken after 6 weeks from the first set and after 12 weeks from the second set to determine AST [aspartate aminotransferase], ALT [alanine aminotransferase] and ALP [alkaline phosphatase] levels and catalase activity. In the first set in all silymarin treated groups, ALP level significantly decreased compared with control and in the second set, AST level decreased significantly compared with control only in groups treated with high doses of silymarin. Different doses of silymarin except the dose of 15 mg/kg significantly increased serum catalase activity compared with control in both sets. Silymarin prevents and reverses cadmium-induced toxicity possibly through its antioxidative property in rats
ABSTRACT
Various plants are used in traditional medicine to increase fertility and to affect fetus gender. The effects of chicory roots and fennel and dill seeds water extracts on fertility rate and neonate gender in rats were studied. 184 Wistar rats weighing 230-250 g in 4 groups each comprising 23 males and 23 females kept separate from each other were used. Water without extract was gavaged to the control group and chicory, fennel and dill extracts were gavaged at the doses of 45, 100 and 100 mg/kg respectively to each of the other 3 groups for 5 weeks. During the fifth week, each male rat was put close to one female rat in a separate cage to mate. The number of parturitions and number and gender of neonates were determined later. The number of parturient rats and the total number of neonates in the fennel group were increased very significantly compared to the control group and other groups [chi[2] = 18.65, p < 0.01], but the number of male and female neonates in the fennel group and the number of parturient rats, total number of neonates and number of male and female neonates in the chicory and dill groups did not differ significantly from the control group [p > 0.05]. Fennel increases fertility rate and neonates number in rats, but chicory and dill do not have such effects. None of the plants affect the neonates' gender in rats
ABSTRACT
Type 2 diabetes mellitus with hyperlipidemia is a common disease. Conventional anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic drugs have limited efficacies and important side effects, so that alternative agents are needed. Previous studies suggest that fiber-free artichoke [Cynara scolymus L.] leaf extract may have anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects in hypercholesterolemic type 2 diabetic patients. Moreover, artichoke leaves are used traditionally as an anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic remedy to treat diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia. The effects of artichoke leaf extract in treatment of hypercholesterolemic type 2 diabetic patients were studied. In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial with hypercholesterolemic type 2 diabetic patients aged 40 to 60 years not using other antihyperlipidemic agents and resistant to daily intake of two 5 mg glyburide tablets and two 500 mg metformin tablets, the efficacy and safety of taking fiber-free artichoke leaf extract [one 400 mg capsule t.i.d. for 2 months] combined with the aforementioned drugs in treatment of 36 patients were evaluated and compared with the placebo group [n = 36]. The extract lowered the blood levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol significantly [P=0.002 and p=0.040 respectively] without any significant effects on the blood levels of fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, other lipids, SGOT, SGPT and creatinine [P>0.05] compared with placebo at the endpoint. No adverse effects were reported. Fiber-free artichoke extract may be a safe anti-hypercholesterolemic agent but does not improve glycemic control in hypercholesterolemic type 2 diabetic patients, suggesting the involvement of fibers in the anti-hyperglycemic effect of artichoke