[Iridoid glycosides from Eremostachys azerbaijanica rech. f. root]

Eremostachys azerbaijanica [family Lamiaceae] is one of the 16 endemic Iranian herbs of the genus Eremostachys. In Iran, the root of E. azerbaijanica is traditionally used as local analgesic and anti-inflammatory. In this research, roots of E. azerbaijanica were phytochemically studied until perhaps by identification of chemical content of this plant, a step to be taken toward correct use from this natural product in treatment of diseases. Methanolic extract from the root of E. azerbaijanica was prepared by Soxhlet method and its three compounds were isolated by SPE method and reversed-phase preparative HPLC. Finally, the compounds have been elucidated by UV and 1D NMR spectroscopic analysis. Three iridoid glycosides, Lamalbide [Lamiridoside], Pulchelloside I and Sesamoside were isolated from the root of E. azerbaijanica. The comparison of the results obtained from the present study and former published results, shows that three iridoid glucosides which identified in this research, have been previously elucidated in some species of Eremostachys

[Antifertility effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of mentha pulegium leaves in adult male rats]

Extensive supply of herbal products in today's societies in normal diet or as medications necessitates conduction of toxicological, histological, and hormonal studies. Awareness of the effects of medicinal plants and their inclusion in the diet can contribute to reproductive health. Since Mentha pulegium is widely used in pharmaceutical and food industries due to its strong fragrance and beneficial therapeutic effects, this study examined the effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Mentha pulegium leaves on the function of pituitary-testicular axis. In this experimental study, 40 male rats of Wistar strain weighing about 190 220 g were divided into five groups of eight. The control group received nothing, the sham group received distilled water and ethanol, and the experimental groups received 400, 800, and 1600 mg/kg b.w. hydro-alcoholic extract of Mentha pulegium leaves intraperitoneally. The experiment period was 28 days. In this study, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], and luteinizing hormone [LH] levels showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. Furthermore, the number of spermatozoa and Leydig cells had declined in the experimental groups receiving the high dose of the extract. Histological examinations also revealed extensive degenerative changes in the germinal epithelium and spermatogenesis arrest in the experimental groups receiving the high dose of the extract. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Mentha pulegium leaves in low dose had a significant decreasing effect on plasma total testosterone, FSH, and LH levels. The effects of this extract on histological changes of testis were dose-related

Prevalence of HPV infection and its association with cytological abnormalities of pap smears in Tehran

Human papillomavirus infection is one of the most common genital infections. More than 100 types of this virus have been identified, and most of them are capable of infecting the genital mucosa. Human papillomavirus is in association with cancerous and precancerous lesions of the cervix; some types like HPV 16 and 18 are highly carcinogenic, some types like HPV 31 and 33 are moderately and some types like HPV 6 and 11 are mildly carcinogenic. In this research, the relationship between cytological changes of the squamous epithelial cells and the presence of HPV infections in our cases has been assessed. In this prospective study, we collected 681 samples from women admitted to different hospitals and private gynecological clinics in Tehran, during the years 2003-2005. Two specimens were collected from each patient; one for a Pap smear study and the other for PCR assay in order to detect HPV. Out of our 681 samples, 600 specimens were suitable for PCR assay, and 34 cases were HPV positive in PCR assay. This means that 5.7 percent of our patients were infected with HPV. HPV infection is common in Iran and is nearly identical to European countries such as Germany, and Spain. Also, we found that using PCR assay in order to detect the presence of HPV viruses in vaginal discharges can be very helpful

effect of alcoholic extract of safflower [carthamus tinctorim] on gonado hypophysis hormonal axis and testis histology in laboratory mice

Safflower [Carthamus tinctorius] has been known since ancient times and is used as purgative, sedative, anti-inflammation, diaphoretic, tumor reducer and emmenagogue. Evidence shows that the plant could be used as aphrodisiac for treatment of impotency. This study aims to investigate the effect of safflower extract on gonado-hypophysis hormonal axis and histologic changes of testis in Mobarakeh [Isfahan] in 2002-2003. In this experimental study four groups of mice containing 8 adult male in each group were divided into control, treatments I, II and III. Then safflower extract in three different doses of 0.7, 1.4 and 2.8 mg/day was injected intraperitoneally into the mice of treatment groups I, II and III, over a period of 20 days respectively. Using Tukey's test and analysis of variance each treatment group was compared with control group in terms of testis weight, histologic changes of testis, number of sperms and concentration of FSH, LH and testosterone hormones present in blood serum. Research results showed that safflower could affect the potential reproduction of males and alter reproductive activities as well as being effective on endocrine of testis. As the injection of safflower extract in doses of 1.4 and 2.8 mg/day increased the concentration of serum testosterone significantly [P=0.01] and thus causing the control of negative feedback of testosterone secretion. Injection of safflower extract did not cause remarkable change in tissue, number of sperms and testis weight. Safflower can contribute to reproductive activities by triggering the change in gonadohypophysis axis. More research is recommended