[Review of pharmacological and toxicological effects of Nigella sativa and its active constituents]

Nigella sativa is an annual plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to southern Europe, north Africa and southwest Asia. N. sativa seeds contain fixed oils, proteins, alkaloids [such as nigellicine and nigellidine], quinones [such as thymoquinone], saponin and essential oil. In traditional medicine, it has been used for several diseases such as antihelmintic, amenorrhea, asthma, diabetes, cough, diuretic and lactagogue. Pharmacological and biological activities of N. sativa and its constituents such as thymoquinone have been shown to be antioxidant, anti-ischemia, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant and antitussive

[Effect of Ocimum basilicum L. aerial parts extract and fractions on morphine withdrawal syndrome in mice]

Ocimum basilicum showed antinociceptive activity. The antinociceptive effect was inhibited by naloxone in hot-plate test. As O. basilicum antinociceptive activity was inhibited by an opioid antagonist, activity-guided fractionation of methanol extract of this plant was carried out to investigate the isolation of the active component[s] responsible for the alleviation of morphine withdrawal syndrome induced by naloxone. Dependence was induced using subcutaneous injections of morphine daily for three days [50, 50 and 75 mg/kg]. On the fourth day, morphine was injected two hours prior to the intraperitoneal injection of naloxone. The number of jumps during the 30 minute period after naloxone injection was considered as measure of the withdrawal syndrome. The extract and fractions were injected 30 min prior to morphine injection. The methanol extract of plant was suspended in water and extracted with chloroform. The active chloroform layer was concentrated and partitioned between methanol-water [9:1] and petroleum ether. The extract or fraction was injected intraperitoneally at doses 0.15 - 1.46 g/kg. The methanol, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts decreased the jumping numbers more than the aqueous and hydro-alcohol extracts. Further fractionation on silica gel column chromatography yielded a fraction, which was 4 times as effective as the crude extract. The results of this study indicated that the plant extracts and fractions containing non- polar component [s] could be useful for the alleviation of morphine withdrawal syndrome

[Evaluation of the antiemetic effect of valeriana officinalis root extracts in young chicken]

In traditional medicine, the roots and rhizomes of Valeriana officinalis [Valerian] have been used to decrease gastrointestinal tract motility in intestinal spasms, colic and gastrointestinal disorders of nervous origin. It has been also suggested for alleviation of nausea. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiemetic effect of V. officinalis extract [aqueous-ethanolic] for documentation of reports available in traditional medicine. The antiemetic effect of V. officinalis extract [aqueous-ethanolic] against emesis induced by copper sulfate [60 mg/kg, orally] and ipecac [600 mg/kg, orally] was investigated. The number of emesis was counted for 50 and 20 minutes after copper sulfate and ipecac administration, respectively. The extract at doses of 0.28, 0.49 and 0.7 g/kg [ip] exhibited significant protection against copper sulfate and ipecac induced-emesis. The dose of 0.7 g/kg lowered the number of copper sulfate induced- and ipecac induced - emesis of negative control [saline], respectively 65.704% and 79.88%. According to the results, the antiemetic effect of Valerian was significant and it confirms the traditional uses of Valerian in attenuation of nausea

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and acute toxicity effects of Juglans regia L. leaves in mice

Juglans regia leaves have been used in folk medicine to alleviate inflammatory diseases. This study investigates the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and acute toxicity effects of Juglans regia L. leaves in mice. 351 Male and female albino mice were divided into negative [saline], positive [morphine or diclofenac] controls as well as test groups [n=6-8]. The acute [intraperitoneally] toxicity was evaluated for 2 days. Antinociceptive activities were done using hot-plate and writhing tests. Anti-inflammatory effects were studied using xylene induced ear edema and cotton pellet tests. The LD50 values of J. regia aqueous and ethanolic extracts were 5.5 and 3.3 g/kg, respectively. The aqueous [2.87 and 1.64 g/kg] and ethanolic [2.044 and 1.17 g/kg] extracts showed antinociceptive activity in hot-plate test. The pretreatment of naloxone [2 mg/kg, s.c.] did not inhibit the extracts activities. The extracts exhibited antinociceptive activity in writhing test, which were not blocked by naloxone. In xylene test, both extracts showed anti-inflammatory activity in some doses. The extracts showed anti-inflammatory activity against the chronic inflammation. J. regia leaves demonstrated antinociceptive effect through non-opioid receptors and anti-inflammatory effect against acute and chronic inflammation. The extracts of J. regia could be considered as a promising analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents against diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis

[ study of LHRHA2 and dopamine antagonists on gonadotropin II level in Abramis Brama orientalis [BERG, 1905]]

Synthetic LHRHa or its superactive analogues stimulate GTH release. It shows an overlap in the biological activity of LHRHa and GnRH in many teleost species. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of LHRIIa[2]. Metocloprarnide and Chlorpromazine on HPG axis and plasma levels of GHT II. Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone Analogue 2 [LHRHa[2]] [3 micro g/kg] with dopamine antagonis's [Metoclopramide. [5 mg/kg] and Chlorpromazine [10 mg/kg]] were injected via I.M to 64 female Bream [Abramis brama orientalis] [0.71371 +/- 0.026 kg, BW] through combined and solilary teeatments: Positive Control [saline]. Metoclopramide [5 mg/kg]. Chlorpromazine [10 mg/kg]. LHRHa[2] [3 micro g/kg]. Metoclopramide [5 mg/kg] + LHRHa[2] [3 micro g/kg], Chlorpromazine [10 mg/kg]+LHRHa[2] [3 micro g/kg]. Metoclopramide [5 mg/kg] + Chlorpromazine [10 mg/kg]+LHRHa[2] [3 micro g/kg] and Negative Control [intact]. Fishes were examined through primary bleeding. injection and secondary bleeding. The time interval between two bleeding step was 5h. The GTH 11 measurement was conducted on the basis of RIA. Results indicate that while LHRHa, and Metocloptamide could significantly increase the level of GTH II [p<0.05]. Chlorpromazine did not showed any significant impact on the increase of GTH II [p> 0.05]. Meanwhile, compared to the complex treatments the individual treatments have had relatively significant effects [p< 0.05]. All compounds showed a positive stimulation effect on the HPG axis and GTH 11 level in plasma

[Effects boswellia carterii gum resin fractions on intact memory and hyoscine-induced learning impairments in rats performing the morris water maze task]

In traditional medicine, a gum resin obtained from Boswellia carterii, has been used as an agent for enhancing memory and learning abilities. In the present research, the effect of fractions obtained from gum resin of Boswellia carterii was assessed on enhancement of memory in intact and on memory impairments induced in rats by hyoscine using the Morris water maze task. The ethyl acetate [0.1 mg/kg] and N-butanol [0.1 mg/kg] fractions were injected intraperitoneally to rats 1 h before training for 5 consecutive days. During the training period, four trials were carried out each day. On the 5th day of the experiment, the locomotor activity was assessed using open field test. The effect of ethyl acetate fractions was evaluated on memory impairment induced by hyoscine [0.5 mg/kg]. The ethyl acetate [0.1 mg/kg] and N-butanol [0.1 mg/kg] fractions showed significant effects in enhancing the memory ability in intact rats. This effect was much significant with ethyl acetate fraction [p<0.001]. The ethyl acetate [0.1 mg/kg] fraction reduced the deficit effect of hyoscine on memory [p<0.001]. The N-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions [0.1 g/kg] have no effect on locomotor activity. On the basis of these results, B. carterii gum resin improved intact memory and the hyoscine impaired acquisition/performance activity. This effect may be mediated via cholinergic system

[Muscle relaxant, hypnotic and anti-anxiety effects of Pistacia vera gum hydroalcoholic extract in mice]

Pistacia sp. has been used in folk medicine for many years and previous studies have demonstrated its hypnotic effects. In this research, the effects of P. vera gum hydroalcoholic extract on muscle relaxation, sleep and anxiety were studied in mice. The effects of the intraperitoneal injection of the extract on muscle relaxation and coordination [traction and Rotarod tests, 30 and 60 min. after injection, respectively], sleep latency and duration of the sleep induced by pentobarbital [injected 30 min. after the extract], anti-anxiety effects [Elevated plus maze, 30 min. after injection] and locomotion activity [Open field test, 60 min. after injection] were studied. The extract [doses of 0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/kg] showed hypnotic effect, increase in duration of sleep by all doses and decrease in the sleep latency only by the dose of 1 g/kg], anti-anxiety effect in elevated plus maze, muscle relaxant effect [only effective at the dose of 1 g/kg in the traction test] and locomotion depressant effect at all doses [P<0.001]. This study showed that the hydroalcoholic extract of P. vera gum has hypnotic, anti-anxiety and muscle relaxant activities. Thus, it may be effective in the alleviation of the muscles contractions disorders, insomnia and anxiety

Evaluation of teratogenicity of salvia leriifolia benth. in mice

It has been shown that Salvia leriifolia Benth. has various pharmacological effects such as anti-hyperglycemia, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, muscle relaxant and sedative effect. There is a considerable potential for usage of this plant during pregnancy. However, its effects on embryonic development have not been examined. In this study, the in vivo fetotoxicity of S. leriifolia aqueous and alcoholic extracts were evaluated in mice. For this purpose, 10% and 30% of the maximal tolerated dose [MTD] of aqueous or alcoholic extracts were daily injected intraperitoneally in pregnant mice on GD=6 [Gestation Day] to GD=14. On GD=18, embryos were harvested by Cesarean section and then morphological structures and skeletal anomalies were evaluated. Other embryos were fixed and stained for bone and cartilage assessments. Both doses of alcoholic and aqueous extracts caused significant decrease in weight gain of pregnant mice; length and weight of fetuses were also reduced remarkably compared to the control group. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts caused some abnormalities such as spina bifida, limb abnormalities, abdominal bleeding, and bone abnormalities. This study presents strong evidence that S. leriifolia can cause numerous embryotoxicities. Thus, pregnant women should be careful in using this herb during pregnancy and it is best to avoid its use until further studies are performed

[Anti-anxiety effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of salvia leriifolia benth. leaves in mice using elevated plus maze]

Salvia leriifolia [Lamiaceae] is indigenous to the east of Iran and some part of Afghanestan. It has many pharmacological effects such as antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-ischemic, anti-hyperglycemic, hypnotic, muscle relexant, anti-peptic ulcer and anticonvulsant effects. In this research, the antianxiety effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of S. leriifolia Benth. leaves were studied using elevated plus maze. Nine groups of male mice were used, each of which contained 7-10 animals. Half an hour before anti-anxiety test, the aqueous or ethanolic extracts [100, 200 and 400 mg/kg], diazepam [1 mg/kg] and saline were injected intraperitoneally to mice. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts were dissolved in saline or tween 80, respectively. In anti-anxiety test, the number of entries into open and closed arms by animals was recorded. In motor coordination [Rotarod test] experiment, the extracts were injected 30 or 60 mm before the test and in locomotor activity [open field test] experiment, the extracts were injected 60 mm before test. In anti - anxiety test, among different doses of the aqueous or ethanolic extracts, only ethanolic extract [in dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg] significantly increased opened arms entrance [p<0.01] and all doses of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts declined closed arms entrance, dose dependently [p<0.001]. In Rotarod and open field tests all of doses significantly decreased mice locomotion activity and motor balance [p<0.001]. The ethanolic extract of S. leriifolia leaves extract showed anti-anxiety activity and declined locomotion activity and motor coordination in mice

Effect of zhumeria majdae rech. F. and wendelbo aerial parts extracts and fractions on morphine withdrawal syndrome in mice

Zhumeriajnajdae showed antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity. The antinociceptive effect was inhibited by naloxone in hot-plate test. As Z. majdae antinociceptive activity was inhibited by an opioid antagonist, we decided to evaluate the effects of this plant on withdrawal syndrome. Dependence was induced using subcutaneous injections of morphine daily for three days [50, 50 and 75 mg/kg]. On the fourth day, morphine was injected two hours prior to the intraperitoneal injection of naloxone. The number of jumps during the 30 minutes period after naloxone injection was considered as measure of withdrawal syndrome. The extracts and fractions were injected 30 min prior to morphine injection. The results indicated that methanolic extracts [0.28,1.12 and 1.96 mg/kg] reduced the number of jumps [compared to control] up to%64,%85 and% 99.3, respectively.The methanolic-aqueous [3:2] extracted with chlorphorm also reduced withdrawal syndrome. Three MPLC fractions, 0.28 mg/kg, [A, B and C, similar Rf in each group] also reduced the number of jumping up to%97,%92 and%55, respectively in mice. In the open field test, on the contrary of MPLC fractions, the methanolic extract reduced locomotor activity. It is concluded that Z. majdae aerial parts methanolic extract and MPLC fractions reduced withdrawal syndrome via differents mechanism of actions

Review of antiviral effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra l. and its active component, glycyrrhizin

Licorice [Glycyrrhiza sp.] belongs to family of Leguminosae. A number of components have been isolated from licorice, including triterpene saponins, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, chalcones and various other substances. Glycyrrhizic acid is the main biologically active component of it. The aim of this review is to provide an updated overview of experimental investigations focused on the antivirus effects of Glycyrrhiza and its active. A computerized search of published articles was performed using the electronic database such as MEDLINE from 1980 to 2005. Glycyrrhiza exerts antiviral activity toward a number of viruses, including hepatitis A, B, C, varicella zoster, HIV, Herpes simplex type-1, SARS, cytomegalo virus. Now glycyrrhizic acid has been used for the treatment of the patients with chronic active hepatitis and about the mechanism of glycyrrhizin's activity against other viruses, it seems that glycyrrhizin inhibits replication, affects cellular signaling pathways, upregulate expression of inducible nitrous oxide synthase and production of nitrous oxide in macrophages. Thus, it seems that future clinical research is needed to define the possible use of licorice and it active component, glycyrrhizic acid as effective antivirus agents for treatment other viral infections

[Effects of crocus sativus stigma extract and its constituents, crocin and safranal, on intact memory and scopolamine- induced learning deficits in rats performing the morris water maze task]

The electrophysiological and behavioral studies have shown that saffron extract improves memory and learning skills in ethanol-induced learning behavior impairments. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible effects of Crocus sativus aqueous extract stigma and its constituents, safranal and crocin, on intact memory and scopolamine-induced learning deficits in rats performing the Morris water maze task. The extract and its constituents were injected intraperitoneally to rats one h before training for five consecutive days. During the training period, four trials were carried out each day. On the fifth day of the experiment, the locomotor activity was assessed using open field test. Generally, the aqueous extract [0.0025-0.56 g/kg] of stigma did not decrease the latency time to find the platform. Only a dose of 0.005 g/kg reduced the latency time during five days. Crocin [50 and 200 mg/kg] also did not change the latency time. Safranal [0.2-0.75 ml/kg] increased the time to find the platform. The effects of the extract, crocin and safranal on hyoscine-induced learning deficits were also evaluated [1 and 500 mg/kg hyoscine]. The stigma extract and crocin reduced the deficit effect of hyoscine [in low and high dose] on memory. Safranal [except a dose of 0.2 ml/kg] did not decrease the effect of hyoscine on memory. In the open field activity test, the aqueous extract, crocin and safranal reduced total activity. The co-administration of these agents with hyocine significantly compensated the reduction of locomotor activity in hyosine group alone. On the basis of these results, the Crocus sativus stigma aqueous extract, crocin and safranal did not have effect on intact memory but the extract and crocin inhibited the hyoscine impaired acquisition/performance activity. These agents can be potentially introduced as new drugs in the treatment of cognitive dysfunctions such as Alzheimer's disease

Effect of rosmarinus officinalis L. Aerial parts extract and fractions on morphine withdrawal syndrome in mice

Our previous studies have shown that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis L. aerial parts reduce morphine withdrawal syndrome in mice As R. officinalis L. aerial parts total extracts reduced morphine withdrawal syndrome, we decided to evaluate the effects of rosemary extract fractions on the withdrawal syndrome. Dependence was induced using subcutaneous injections of morphine daily for three days [50, 50 and 75 mg/kg]. On the fourth day, morphine was injected two hours prior to the intraperitoneal injection of naloxone. The number of jumps during the 30 minute period after naloxone injection was considered as measure of the withdrawal syndrome. The results indicate that the aqueous, methanolic-aqueous and chlorformic fractions [0.96 g/kg and 1.68 g/kg, i.p.] and also clonidine [0.3 mg/kg] and diazepam [5 mg/kg] reduce the number of jumps when they are injected 1 h prior the last dose of morphine. Two evaluable MPLC chloroformic fractions also reduce the number of jumping in mice. In the open field activity, test on the contrary of fraction 2, the fraction 1 and clonidine reduce locomotor activity. It is concluded that the reduction of withdrawal morphine syndrome by R. officinalis aerial parts fraction 1 may be due to the reduction of movement by this fraction, but the fraction 2 may reduce withdrawal syndrome via an interaction with opioid system

[Anti-tumor evaluation of adenosine and cyclohexyladenosine [A1 receptor selective agonist] using potato disc assays]

In this study, adenosine and cyclohexyladenosine [CHA] were tested for possible anti-tumor activity using potato disc assays. MIC of adenosine and CHA were determined using microplate method. In potato disc assay, discs were cut of potato with specific diameter and transferred on 1.5% agar under a laminar air cabinet. 50 ?l of a mixture containing suspension of Agrobacterium tumefaciens and the solution of agents were inoculated on potato discs in plates. The plates were incubated in 25 °C for 21 days until the tumors were counted. Adenosine and CHA did not show any anti-bacterial activity. The IC50 values of adenosine and CHA against tumor were 93.78 and 19.56 microM, respectively. DPCPX [A1 selective adenosine receptor antagonist] inhibited the anti-tumor activity of adenosine and CHA, while itself did not show any effect against potato disc tumors. This study indicates that adenosine and CHA have anti-tumor activity, and this effect is mediated via A1 receptor exists in potato cell or A. tumefaciens

[Formulation of topical liposomes encapsulated with triamcinolone and comparison of their anti-inflammatory effects with available conventional topical ointment in mice]

Triamcinolone is a steroidal anti-inflammatory drug widely used in the treatment of skin diseases. Liposomes are microscopic vesicles that composed of lipid bilayers enclosing aqueous compartments. In this study, different liposomal formulations encapsulated with triamcinolone were prepared and their anti-inflammatory effects were compared with a conventional topical ointment. In this study liposomes containing 0.1% triamcinolone were prepared by the fusion method using lecithin, cholesterol and penetration enhancers. Encapsulation efficiency was determined by UV spectrophotometry. Liposome size was examined by optical microscopy. The anti-inflammatory effect of liposomal formulations was evaluated by "xylene-induced ear edema" method in mice and then results were compared with a conventional topical ointment. Among different formulations only two formulations were stable and suitable regards to encapsulation efficiency, size, and the lack of triamcinolone precipitation. The first formulation did not have penetration enhancer and the second one contained a penetration enhancer. Liposome size was varied from 2 to 5 micron, and encapsulation efficiency in the first and second formulation was 80.33 +/- 3.51% and 90.50 +/- 2.78%, respectively. In vivo study showed that both conventional ointment and liposomal triamcinolone decrease ear edema compared to the control liposome [p<0.01]. The percent of edema inhibition [Mean +/- SEM] in comparison with control was 44% +/- 6.0, 71% +/- 6.4 and 78% +/- 5.4 for conventional ointment, first and second liposomal formulations respectively. The anti-inflammatory of liposomal formulations were significantly more than conventional triamcinolone ointment [p<0.05]. Results show that liposomal triamcinolone have more anti-inflammatory effect than conventional triamcinolone ointment. Thus, to provide the same effect as conventional triamcinolone ointment, the lower concentration of triamcinolone in liposome formulation is needed, this in turn will cause less side effects

Study on the anticonvusant activity of thymoquinone, the major constituent of Nigella Sativa L.seeds, through intracerebroventricular injection

Thymoquinone, the major constituent of Nigella sativa seeds, is a biologically active compound, which possesses several pharmacological effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anticonvulsant effect of thymoquinone through intracerebroventricular [i.c.v.] injection. The anticonvulsant effects of thymoquinone, the major constituent of Nigella sativa seeds, were investigated using pentylenetetrazole [PTZ]-induced seizure model. In PTZ-induced epileptic seizures, the i.c.v. injection of thymoquinone [200 and 400 mol] prolonged the onset and reduced the duration of tonic-clonic seizures. The protective effect of thymoquinone against lethality was 45% and 50% in the mentioned doses, respectively. In this study, flumazenil [1 nmol, i.c.v.] reversed the anticonvulsant activity of thymoquinone. Also, pretreatment with naloxone [10 mol, i.c.v.] antagonized the prolongation of tonic-clonic seizure latency, as well as reduction in seizure duration both induced by thymoquinone [200 mol, i.c.v.]. These results indicate that thymoquinone may possess anticonvulsant activity probably through an opioid receptor-mediated increase in GABAergic tone

[Anti-tumer and cytotoxic evaluation of crocus sativus L. Stigma and petal extracts using brine shrimp and potato disc assays]

A growing body of research has confirmed that saffron stigma extract and its main constituents have anticancer properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible cytotoxic and anti-tumor activities of the ethanolic extracts of Crocus sativus stigma and petal using simple brine shrimp and potato disc assays. The MIC of stigma and petal extracts were determined using microplate method. In brine shrimp assay, for each concentration, three wells containing 10 larva were tested. After 24h, the number of dead larva were counted. In potato disc assay, discs were cut of potato with specific diameter and transferred onto 1.5% agar under a laminar air cabinet. 50 micro1 of a mixture containing suspension of Agrobacterium tumefaciens and the solution of stigma and petal extracts were inoculated on potato discs in plates. The plates were incubated at 25°C for 21 days, and the tumors were counted. The MIC of stigma extract was 10 mg/ml. The Petal extract did not show any antibacterial activity in the of concentration range 1-16 mg/ml. The IC50 values of stigma and petal extracts against tumor were 5.3 and 10.8 mg/ml, respectively. The LC50 values of stigma and petal extracts against brine shrimp were 1678.7 and 1356.8 ppm, respectively. This study indicated that the ethanolic extracts of saffron stigma and petal have anti-tumor activity and the stigma extract has more potent anti-tumor efects than the petal extract but with less toxicity

Antinociceptive effects of Melisa officinalis aerial parts extracts in Mice

Some labiatae family plants show antinociceptive activities. Melisa officinalis belongs to this family, thus, antinociceptive activity of the aqueous decoction and ethanolic maceration extracts of the aerial parts of this plant studied in mice. Antinociceptive activities were done using hotplate and writhing tests. In hot-plate and writhing tests, the intraperitoneal injection of both extracts showed significant antinociceptive activity in mice. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, pre-treatment, inhibited the antinociceptive activity of the extracts in hot-plate test. The extracts exhibited antinociceptive activity against acetic acid induced writhing which was partially blocked by naloxone. It is concluded that the aqueous decoction and ethanolic maceration of the aerial parts of M. officinalis has antinociceptive effects and this may be mediated partially by opioid receptors

effects of carbenoxolone, a gap junction channel blocker, on spatial learning inMorris water maze task in rats

High frequency oscillations [ripples] are proposed to involve in memory consolidation. Ripple oscillations persist in the absence of chemical synaptic transmission and inhibitors of gap junctions were shown to block high frequency oscillations in hippocampal slices. In this study, we investigated the effects of carbenoxolone, as a gap junction blocker, on spatial learning in the rat. Cognitive performance was assessed using Morris water maze [MWM]. Adult male rats were bilaterally cannulated into the CA1 region of their hippocampus. Carbenoxolone [1.23, 2.46, 4.92 microg/side], scopolamine [microg/side] and saline were injected through the cannulas before training for 4 consecutive trials and one probe trial that was conducted 24 h after the training trials with the platform removed. The results showed that carbenoxolone could significantly reduced percent of time spent, distance traveled and quadrant entry in Q2 compared to control group and failed to use a selective search strategy during probe trial in which the platform was removed.The results of the present study suggest that carbenoxolone as a gap junction channels blocker can decelerate learning performances of rats in a spatial memory task such as the MWM that requires the integrity of hippocampus

Effect of Zhumeria majdae aerial parts extract and fractions on morphinetolerance in mice

In this research, the effects of methanolic extract of aerial parts of Zhumeria majdae and its fraction, on the development of tolerance to the antinociceptive action of morphine were examined in mice. Morphine tolerance in mice was developed by injecting morphine sulfate [20 mg/Kg, S.C.] twice a day for 4 days. Vehicle injected mice was considered as control. To determine the effect of intraperitoneally administered methanolic extract of Z majdae and its fractions on tolerance development, they were injected in the appropriate dose twice a day. The development of tolerance to the antinociceptive effect of morphine sulfate [10 mg/Kg, S.C.] was measured on days 1 and 6 using the tail-flick test. The methanolic extract showed a significant activity and attenuated tolerance development at 0.14, 0.28 and 0.56 g/Kg doses. The methanolic extract of plant was suspended in methanol-water [3:2] and extracted with chloroform. The activity of hydroalcoholic fraction was more than the chloroformic one, and showed significant activity. Further fraction on silica gel column chromatography was obtained. Three fractions [A, B and C, similar Rf in each group] were obtained; fraction A and B were more effective. The methanolic extract of plant and its fractions themselves, at dose employed in the study, did not exert any effect on antinoeiceptive activity. These results indicated that the extracts of Z majdae contain component [s] that can attenuate tolerance development to the antinociceptive action of morphine