[Effect of lavender ethanolic extract on infarct volume in rats subjected to ischemia-reperfusion]

Background: lavender belongs to the Labiatae family and possesses antioxidant acivity

Objective: the present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of lavender extract on infarct volume and its possible mechanisms in an experimental model of stroke

Methods: lavender extract [100, 200 mg/kg body weight, ip] was injected for 20 consecutive days. Two hours after the last dose, cerebral artery ligation surgery was performed and 24 hours after induction of ischemia, infarct volume was assessed. Also the amount of serum nitric oxide [NO] level was measured

Results: treatment of rats with lavender extract at a dose of 200 mg for 20 days resulted in a significant decrease in the infarct volume caused by stroke in penumbra area [cortex] and the core [sub-cortical] of brain compared to the control [P=0.044, P=0.047, consecutively]. Lavender extract at a dose of 200 mg significantly increased blood levels of nitric oxide

Conclusion: the results of this study suggest that Lavender extract protects brain against ischemia and reduces infarct volume in rats subjected to ischemia. The mechanism may be related to augmentation in endogenous antioxidant defense in the rat brain. Lavender plant extracts with increasing levels of endothelial nitric oxide, by inhibiting the decrease in cerebral blood flow reduced infarct volume

[Effect of kombucha tea on depression and motor activity in mice]

Background: Depression is a threatening disease. Due to adverse effects of chemical antidepressant drugs, researcher's attention has been shifted toward natural drug

Objective: In this work, the antidepressant effect of Kombucha tea [KT] evaluated against reserpine induced depression in mice

Methods: In this experimental study, 42 male mice were randomly divided into 6 groups of 7 mice. Vehicle mice received normal saline [1 mg/kg, i.p.], negative and positive control groups received reserpine [5mg/kg, i.p.] and fluoxetine [20 mg/kg, i.p.] respectively and treatment groups received Kombucha tea at doses of 250, 500, 1000 mg/kg, 18 h after administration of reserpine. Mice were then tested with forced swimming and rotarod tests. At the end of behavioral tests, blood sample were collected and used to assess blood antioxidant capacity

Results: There was significant difference in the duration of immobility time between vehicle and reserpine treated groups [P<0.001]. Administration of Kombucha tea at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg into depressed mice significantly reduced the duration of immobility time. KT administration significantly improved blood antioxidant capacity of mice blood

Conclusion: These results provide support for the potential antidepressant effects of Kombucha tea against

Abortificient effect of mulberry white root in mice

Background and Objective: Due to an increase in spontaneous abortions finding a safe and secure method is inevitable. Some medicinal herbs have abortifacient properties. This study was done to determine the effect of abortifacient effect of mulberry white root in mice

Methods: In this experimental study, 50 mice dams were randomly allocated into five groups including control, sham and experimental group 1, 2 and 3. Animals in control group did not receive any substance. Animals in sham group were received normal saline, intraperitoneally. Animals in experimental group 1, 2 and 3 were received doses of 50, 70 and 90 mg/kg/bw of the alcoholic extract of root of mulberry white during the 7th to 12th days of pregnancies, intraperitoneally, respectively. At the 16th day of the pregnancy the uterine tubes of mice were removed and the absorbed fetuses were recorded

Results: The mean of absorb fetuses was 7.4, 7.6, 1.8 and 3.1 in the experimental group 1, 2, 3 and sham, respectively. There was a significant relation between the mean number of aborted fetuses and concentration of strawberry root [P<0.05]. The apparent anomaly in fetus was not recorded

Conclusion: Root of mulberry white has abortifacient effect with dose-dependent manner

[Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of chevil [ferulago angulata] on glucose and lipid in diabetic male rats]

Introduction: Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterised by chronic hyperglycemia. Considering the properties antioxidant of the Chevil plant compounds, this study performed to determine the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Chevil on serum glucose and lipid in diabetic male rats

Materials and Methods: In this study, 54 male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were divided into 6 groups [n=9 each] and studied for 4 weeks. The groups were as follows: Control, diabetic, diabetic groups treated 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight of the Chevil extract, respectively and the diabetic rats treated with 150 mg/kg body weight of metformin. At the end of study, FBS, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels were measured. Results were analyzed by oneway ANOVA

Results: Findings showed a significant reduction [P<0.05] of FBS in all groups with three doses of the extract, 26%, 59.3%, 69.4% respectively], Triglycerides [at 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract respectively 16.1% and 34.1%], Cholesterol [800 mg/kg of the extract, 20.9%], LDL-C in all three doses of the extract, 25.9%, 49.1% and 53% respectively and a significant increase [P<0.05] in HDL-C in all three doses of the extract, 32.6%, 36.4% and 37.1% respectively compared to the control group was observed in diabetic rats treated with Chevil

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Chevil extract reduces blood sugar and improves blood lipid profiles in diabetic rats

[ effect of sesame oil on the liver phosphatidate phosphohydrolase and serum lipoproteins in hypercholesterolemic rabbits]

Nowadays, the effect of medicinal plants on the reduction of the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis has been confirmed. Liver phosphatidate phosphohydrolase [PAP] is a key regulatory enzyme in the glycerolipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of sesame oil on liver PAP activity, liver triglyceride, liver cholesterol and serum lipoprotein levels in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. In this experimental study 27 New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to 3 groups [n=9]. Group1 [control] was fed with standard diet. Group II [hypercholesterolemic group] animals received hypercholesterolemic diet [1%] without treatment. Group III was fed with hypercholesterolemic diet [1%] plus sesame oil [5%]. After two months, liver PAP activity, liver triglyceride and cholesterol content, serum lipoproteins and malondialdehyde, and antioxidant capacity were measured. One way ANOVA was used for analysis of the mean values of the variables and for pair-wise comparison of the groups we used Tukey's test. Group III had a significant decrease [P< 0.05] in the liver PAP activity compared to group II. In group II, consumption of the enriched cholesterol diet led to a significant elevation [P< 0.05] in serum lipoproteins compared to group I [control]. Also, sesame oil in group III decreased the serum lipoproteins, liver triglyceride, and liver cholesterol in comparison to group II [p<0.05]. However, a significant elevation [P< 0.05] in serum antioxidant capacity and a significant reduction in malondialdehyde level occurred in group III compared to group II [P<0.05]. Sesame oil can be effective in reducing risk factors of cardiovascular diseases by decreasing serum lipids through making desirable alterations in serum lipoproteins. Also addition of sesame oil to hypercholesterolemic diets can reduce the liver PAP activity resulting in reduced liver triglyceride synthesis, which can decrease the risk of development of fatty liver in hypercholesterolemic diets

[Comparison between the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of dill and statins on lipid profile]

A transient increase of blood concentration of lipids after meal is able to increase the risk of atherogenesis. This study aimed to determine the effects of Anethum graveolens L. [dill] consumption on atherosclerosis and hepatic risk factors. In an experimental study, 32 male New Zealand rabbits were randomly allocated to four groups to receive normal diet, a diet containing 1% cholesterol, a diet containing 1% cholesterol plus 200 mg/kg dill powder, and a diet containing 10 mg/kg lovastatin. Risk factors of atherosclerosis including glucose, total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], apolipoprotein B [ApoB], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], nitrite, nitrate, fibrinogen, and factor VII were measured and compared between different groups.Consumption of dill caused a significant reduction in glucose compared to the hypercholesterolemic diet group. Dill powder significantly decreased LDL-C, TC, AST, ALT, and fibrinogen. No significant differences were found between dill group and hypercholesterolemic diet group in ApoB, factor VII, nitrite, and nitrate. According to our findings, postprandial consumption of dill may have beneficial effects on atherosclerosis and hepatic risk factors

[ inhibitory effects of Eucalyptus extract on Herpes simplex virus-1 replication in baby hamster kidney cells]

In recent years, following the increasing of drug resistant strain of viruses, there has been an increasing interest in the use of natural substances with antiviral activity and low side effects. One of these herbal medicines, Eucaliptus, has shown some therapeutic effects including antibacterial and antiviral activities. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of hydroalchoholic extract of Eucaliptus on Herpes simplex virus-1 [HSV-1] in vitro. In this experimental study, the hydroalchoholic extract of Eucalyptus leaves was prepared using 70% ethanol through maceration method. Baby Hamster Kidney [BHK] cells were grown in monolayer culture with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium [DMEM] supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum and plated onto 48-well culture plates. 50% cytotoxic concentration [CC50%] of the extract on BHK cells was determined, and subsequently 50% inhibitory concentration [IC50%] of the herbal extract on replication of HSV-1 both in extracellular and intracellular cases was assessed. Based on Probit analysis, CC50% of the extract was 0.650mg/ml. Significant relationships between the concentration of the extract and cell death in the cell studied were shown using the Probit model [p<0.01]. IC50s of the extract on the virus before cellular attachment and after entering the cells were 456.82 micro g/ml and 180.75micro g/ml, respectively. Based on the model, with increasing the extract concentration, the percentage of inhibition of cytopathic effect [CPE] in both stages was increased [p<0.05]. Based on the findings of this study, hydroalchoholic extract of Eucaliptus could be probably an appropriate anti herpetic herbal medicine

[ beneficial effects of vaccinium myrtilus L. intake on atherosclerosis risk factors in male New Zealand rabbits]

The increase in the blood concentration of lipids after meals has a significant effect on induction of atherosclerosis. Vaccinium myrtilus has an antioxidant activity, and in this study, we aimed to determine the effects of this plant on atherosclerosis risk factors. In an experimental study, 24 male New Zealand rabbits were randomly designated into three groups of 8 rabbits: Group 1, normal diet; Group 2, a diet containing 1% cholesterol; and Group 3, a diet containing 1% cholesterol and 2% Vaccinium myrtilus powder. The blood glucose, total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], apolipoprotein B [ApoB], Alanine aminotransferase [ALT], Aspartate aminotransferase [AST], LDL-C [low density lipoprotein], nitrite, nitrate, fibrinogen, and factor VII, which are considered as atherosclerosis risk factors, were measured before the experiment and 3 hours after feeding. The data were analyzed using One-Way Analysis of ANOVA. The P-values below 0.05 [P<0.05] were considered as significant. Consumption of Vaccinium myrtilus significantly decreased the concentrations of LDL-C, TC, aminotransaminases [AST, ALT], ApoB, and fibrinogen compared to the hyper-cholesterolemic diet group [P<0.05]. However, there were no significant differences was found between the group taking Vaccinium myrtilus and hyper-cholesterolemic diet group with regard to the serum glucose, TG, factor VII, nitrite, and nitrate [P>0.05]. The results of this study show that acute consumption of Vaccinium myrtilus might have a protective effect on some atherosclerosis risk factors

[Effects of eucalyptus camaldulensis exracts on trichimonas vaginalis growth in vitro]

Trichimonas vaginalis is a flagellate protozoa that cause trichomoniasis. Metronidazole which is drug of choice for treatment of this infection has many side effects so the patients are unsatisfied with its using, so it is necessary to seek for alternative drugs. Eucalyptus camaldulensis herb with strong anti-microbial affects is considered as an alternative drug. Investigating the effect of Eucalyptus camaldulensis as an alternative drug Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro. Eucalyptus camaldulensis extraction was prepared using perculasion method. In test tubes containing parasite culture medium different concentrations of the plant extract were added. In other test tubes metronidazole or extract solvent as controls were added. 100 live Trichomonas vaginalis added to each tube and all tubes kept in 37°C and tested for presence of the parasite every 24 hours up to 72 hours. For this purpose 10 microliter of each tube examined under microscope. in tubes with higher concentration of Eucalyptus camaldulensis extract and also in tube containing metronidazole no parasite was observed. In negative control tubes parasite had a normal growth. According to results of this study Eucalyptus camaldulensis extract had strong effects on Trichomonas vaginalis growth. Further investigation is recommended to use this plant as alternative drug for treatment of trichomoniasis

[ effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Hyoscyamus niger seeds on learning and short-term memory in Balb/c Mice]

Hyoscyamus niger has many different therapeutic effects, such as anti-convulsive and sedative effects. In this study, we tried to evaluate the eventual effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Hyoscyamus niger on spatial learning and memory in mice using Morris water maze task. In this study, 23 mice were randomly divided into one control group and two experimental groups. The control group received normal saline and the experimental groups received hydro-alcoholic extracts of Hyoscyamus niger [1 or 2 mg/kg, i.p.]. At first, saline or extracts were injected daily [7 days] and then spatial learning was evaluated for 5 consecutive days. For evaluating short-term memory, two probe-trial experiments were performed. Finally, data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's test. Results obtained from day 3 and day 4 of the learning period showed a significant reduction in learning the water maze task in the experimental group [2 mg/kg] compared with the control group [p < 0.05]. In addition, probe-trial experiments demonstrated that Hyoscyamus niger [1 and 2 mg/kg] prevented formation of short-term memory, while control animals succeeded to make short-term memory. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Hyoscyamus niger decreases the learning of the water maze task and also disturbs short-term memory

[ effect of heating on useful components of garlic]

Garlic [Allium sativum. L] is an important dietary herb which its useful compounds may be altered during different processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of heating on the amounts of allicin, felavonol, felavonoid, total phenolic components, and antioxidant capacity of garlic. In this experimental study which was conducted at Shahr-e-Kord University of Medical Sciences in 2009, the alcoholic extract of fresh, micro waved, and boiled garlic were prepared. Then, their antioxidant capacities were evaluated in linoleic acid and beta-carotene linoleate system. The phenolic contents were measured with Folin-ciocalteu method, felavonoid or felavonol contents with aluminum coloride method, and allicine contents with spectrophotometry method. Collected data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS software. Differences between the means of groups were evaluated by a two-tailed t-test for independent samples. The fresh and fresh boiled garlic had the highest and lowest antioxidant activities, respectively [P<0.05] while no difference was found between fresh and micro waved garlic [P>0.05]. The flavonoid and phenolic compounds in fresh garlic were more than micro waved or boiled garlic. The allicin content in fresh garlic was also higher then micro waved or boiled garlic [P<0.05]. All of these components were low in boiled garlic. Fresh garlic has the most useful compounds and consumption of this form of the vegetable is recommended

inhibitory effect of quercqus persica l extract on herpes simplex virus-1 replication on baby hamster kidney cells

In the recent years, following the increase of drug resistant strain of viruses, there has been an increasing interest in the use of natural substances with antiviral activity with fewer side effects. One of these herbal medicines, Quercqus persica L, has shown some therapeutic effects, such as anti-bacterial and anti-viral activities. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of hydroalcoholic extract of this plant on Herpes simplex virus-1 [HSV-1]. In this interventional study conducted at Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in 2010, the hydroalcoholic extract of Quercqus persica L. was prepared using 70% ethanol by the maceration method. Baby Hamster Kidney [BHK] cells were grown in monolayer culture with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium [DMEM] supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum and plated into 48-well culture plates. Fifty percent of cytotoxic concentration [CC50%] of the extract on BHK cells was determined and subsequently, 50% inhibitory concentrations [IC50%] of the herbal extract on replication of HSV-1 both in extracellular and interacellular cases were assessed. The statistical data was analyzed by the SPSS software using Probit analysis. Based on Probit analysis, the extract had no cyto-toxicity up to concentration of 200 mg/ml. ICSOs of the extract on the virus before cellular attachment and after entering the cells were 1.2 and 0.257 mg/ml, respectively. Based on the model, with the increasing of the extract concentration, the percentage of inhibition of cytopathic effect [CPE] in both of the stages were increased [p<0.05]. In addition to low cytotoxicity, hydroalcoholic extract of Quercqus persica L. has promising inhibitory effects on HSV-1 replication in cell culture. Thus, it should be considered as a promising herbal medicine and should be thoroughly evaluated through a comprehensive study

[Purslane [Portulaca oleracea] effects on serum paraoxanase-1 activity]

Background and aim: Purslane [Khurfeh] is one of the richest sources of omega3 fatty acids in plants and it has many antioxidants and minerals in its different parts. High density lipoprotein [HDL] has antioxidant effects because of Paraoxanase-1 [PON1] enzyme which attaches to HDL particles and circulates with it in blood. PON1 is responsible for hydrolysis of oxidized phospholipids. The aims of this study were investigating the Purslane effects on Paraoxanase-1 activity and lipoproteins levels, especially oxidized low density lipoprotein [OxLDL] and to compare these effects with Lovastatin

Methods: Fasting venous blood samples were obtained from patients who were referred to an internal clinic with LDL-C more than 100 mg/dl. Five ml of blood was taken before and 45 days after taking Purslane or Lovastatin. Subsequently the levels of all variables in the samples were measured using standard methods. Results were analyzed using paired t-test and t-test

Results: There was a significant decrease in serum level of cholesterol, LDL-C and OxLDL in two groups after receiving Purslane or Lovastatin [P<0.05]. ApoB was decreased only after taking Lovastatin. PON1 arylesterase activity was increased only in Purslane group following increasing of Apo A1 and HDL-C. Body mass index [BMI] and triglyceride was decreased in Purslane group [P<0.05]

Conclusion: Purslane reduces some cardiovascular risk factors through decreasing OxLDL, LDL-C, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increasing activity of paraoxanase-1 enzyme and HDL-C concentration. In addition, Purslane can increase ApoA1 better than Lovastatin

[Effects of Sesamum indicum L. on fibrinogen and factor 7 in hypercholesterolemic rabbits]

Background and aim: Enhancement of blood factor 7 or fibrinogen is considered as cardiovascular risk factors. This study was, therefore, aimed to evaluate the effects of Sesamum indicum seed and oil on fibrinogen and factor 7 in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Methods: In an experimental study, 32 New Zealand rabbits were randomly designated into 4 groups of 8 and were fed for 60 days as following: normal diet, hypercholestrol [1%] diet, hypercholestrol [1%] diet+10% sesame seed, hypercholestrol [1%] diet+5% sesame oil. At the beginning and 60 days after the start of the study, the blood fibrinogen and factor 7 were measured and compared in different groups

Results: There was no difference for fibrinogen and factor 7 in different groups at the start of the study, however, the blood fibrinogen and factor 7 were increased in hypercholesterolemic group compared to normal diet group [P<0.05]. The amounts of blood fibrinogen and factor 7 were decreased in hypercholesterol+sesame seed and in hypercholesterol+sesame oil groups compared to hypercholesterol diet group [P<0.05]

Conclusion: Sesame seed and oil may have beneficial effects on cardiac function by decreasing blood fibrinogen and factor 7 as cardiovascular risk factors

[ effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis on learning and spatial memory in Balb/c mice]

Background and aims: Melissa officinalis is one of the most consumed plants in the world which has many different therapeutic effects such as: sedative, antioxidative and antispasmodic effects. Nowadays, it is mostly used for its calmness effect and for improvement of quality of sleep. In this study we tried to evaluate the eventual effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis on learning and spatial memory in mice using Morris watermaze task

Methods: In this experimental study, 32 Balb/c mice were randomly divided into one control and three experimental groups. Control group received normal saline and experimental groups received hydro-alcoholic extracts of Melissa officinalis [25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.] for 7 days, and then spatial learning was evaluated for 5 consecutive days. For evaluating short-term and long-term memory, probe-trial experiments were performed in the day 5, 7 and 9. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests

Results: No significant difference was found between control group and experimental groups in learning [P>0.05]. The first probe-trial experiment showed a positive effect of lower dose of Melissa officinalis [25 mg/kg] on short-term memory [P<0.05]; while control animals were succeeded in making short-term memory in the second probe trial experiment. Performing the third probe trial experiment in the day 9, we demonstrated that higher dose of Melissa officinalis [100 mg/kg] prevents from making short-term memory

Conclusion: Hydro-alcoholic extracts of Melissa officinalis have no significant effect on learning in watermaze task. Melissa officinalis increases short-term memory in lower dose; however, it may have prevention effect on making short-term memory in higher dose

[ effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Zizipus vulgaris L. on burn healing]

Traditionally, burn wound healing activities have been claimed for Zizipus vulgaris L, but there is not any evidence in literature for this effect of the plant. Therefore, this work was carried out to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Zizipus vulgaris L. on burn healing. In an experimental study burn wounds were made by placing a hot plate with a surface area of 1.5 cm[2] for 10s on the back of animals. 40 mice were designated in 4 groups. Animal were treated with vehicle or test substance two times per day for 21 days. The first group received nothing, second group Vaseline. Third and fourth group 1% and 10% Jujba ointment two times/day, respectively. Percent of burn wounds healing and total time required for complete healing were evaluated. Results showed that 1% dose of Jujuba extracts had significant burn wound healing compared to control group [P<0.01]. Zizipus vulgaris L. has considerable healing effect on burn wounds and its usage might be beneficial in these patients

[Antibacterial effects of ethanolic extract of walnut leaves [juglans regia] on propionibacterium acnes]

Acne is one of the medical problems and propionibacterium acnes is the pathogenic agent that has received a considerable attention. Different parts of Juglans regia have been shown to have antibacterial activity on many bacteria. Its leaves have antioxidant property and if it shows antibacterial effect on propionibacterium acnes, it might be an alternative drug for the treatment of this problem. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the antibacterial effects of walnut leaves on propionibacterium acnes in vitro. In this experimental study, ethanolic extract of walnut leaves was examined for antibacterial activities on propionibacterium acnes using the disk-diffusion minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC], minimum bacterial concentration [MBC] and macrodilution methods. Ampicillin [10 micro g] was used as a positive control. Ethanolic extract of walnut leaves had an inhibitory effect on Propionibacterium acnes using the agar-diffusion and macrodilution methods. The most inhibition zone was 25 +/- 1.7 mm in 150 mg/ml concentration. The minimum inhibitory concentration was 12.5 mg/ml while the minimum bactericidal concentration was 15 mg/ml. These findings showed that ethanolic extract of walnut leaves had antibacterial effect on Propionibacterium acnes and may be considered as an alternative drug for the treatment of external infections due to this microorganism

[Effect of medicinal smokes on some nosocomial infection factors]

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a main problem in the treatment of infectious diseases. Thus, searching for alternative drug is essential in Iran and particularly Chaharmahal va bakhtiari province. People use medicinal smokes such as donkey dung and Peganum harmala seed smokes for treatment of infectious diseases. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial property of donkey dung and Peganum harmala seed smokes on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeroginosa. In this interventional and laboratory study, groups of Peganum harmala seed smoke and donkey dung were considered as case groups and antibiotic disks as positive control group. Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were cultured in suitable medium [Blood Agar, EMB and Mueller-Hinton agar]. Antibiogram blank disks were fumigated separately with Peganum harmala seed and female donkey dung smoke then placed on microbial plate with sterile methods. Following 48 hours incubation at 37°C, the zone of growth inhibition evaluated by measuring the zone around the disks. Fumigation process was done in special chest that designed for this research. We repeated fumigation each 20 minutes for 24 times. Data about measuring the zone of growth inhibition were analyzed by using and mean statistic exam. Staphylococcus aureus was sensitive to Peganum harmala seed, and fdonkey dung smokes and Pseudomonas aeroginosa was sensitive to female donkey dung smoke. Staphylococcus aureus was resistant to cloxacilllin and Pseudomonas aeroginosa was sensitive only to erythromycin and ciprofloxacin. The increasing time of fumigation in sensitive cases enhanced antimicrobial effects and the zone of growth inhibition. Antimicrobial effects of donkey dung smokes on resistance pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Staphylococcus aureus revealed the necessity of performing expanded research about composition and property of this smoke

[Study of Cumin [Cuminum cyminum] extract effects on serum paraoxonase-1 activity]

Cumin [Cuminum Cyminum] has antioxidant property, therefore it may be able to reduce the lipid oxidation levels. Paraoxonase-1 [PON1] is exclusively associated with HDL. PON1 can hydrolyze oxidized phospholipids formed during lipoprotein peroxidation and plays a protective role against the oxidative modification of plasma lipoproteins. The aim of this study was to investigate the Cumin effects on plasma lipoproteins and paraoxonase-1 activity. In this clinical trial study, 92 adult patients with LDL-C greater than 120mg/dL divided into two groups of Cumin and lovastatin. There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics between two groups. Before and after treatment with Cumin and lovastatin, lipid profile and paraoxonase activity were measured in all subjects and data were analyzed by paired t-test using SPSS software. Cumin reduced levels of glucose and ox-LDL, but it increased aryl esterase activity of PON1.There was no significant relationship between Cumin and other lipid profiles in this study. Cumin increased PON1 activity better than lovastatin, therefore it can be used as a supplement in lovastatin therapy. Cumin and lovastatin probably have better effect to reduce ox-LDL levels if they be used together

[Effect of linear and stepwise sodium and ultra filtration profiles on intradialytic hypotension and muscle cramps in renal disease patients]

Intradialytic hypotension and muscle cramps are most frequent complications in patients receiving haemodialysis [HD]. So, preventing of these complications is one of the main challenges of the treatment team, especially for nurses. One of the preventive methods that have been recently introduced is the use of sodium profile and ultra filtration [UF] profile. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two types of sodium and UF profiles on Intradialytic hypotension and muscle cramps. In this clinical trial study, twenty six stable HD patients from two dialysis centers [Ali Asghar and Al-Zahra Hospitals] of Isfahan University underwent three different treatments: [1] control, constant dialysate sodium concentration of 138 mmol/l with constant UF, [2] linear sodium profile + UF profile [type1], a linearly decreasing dialysate sodium concentration [146-138mmol/l] combination with a linearly decreasing UF rate. [3] a stepwise sodium profile + UF profile [type2], a stepwise decreasing dialysate sodium concentration [146-138 mmol/l] combination with a stepwise decreasing UF rate. Each treatment was applied in 3 dialysis sessions. Data were analyzed using ?[2] test using SPSS software. A total of 26 patients [14 men, 12 female] were participated in this study. The mean age of patients was 46.8 +/- 19 years. In each group, 78 dialysis sessions and a total of 234 dialysis sessions were analyzed. The incidence of intradialytic hypotension and cramps was significantly reduced during two type of profiles compared with control group [P<0.05, respectively]. However, there was no significant differences between profiles [P>0.05]. Sodium profile and UF profile are simple and cost effective method that modulate the dialysate sodium and ultrafiltration rate and preserve the homodynamic status of patients during dialysis. So, using of sodium profile and UF profile groups [linear and stepwise] is recommended for prevention of hypotension and cramps during dialysis process