Protective effects of water extract of Morus Nigra L. on 6-Hydroxydopamine induced Parkinson's disease in male rats

Background: Parkinson's disease [PD] is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Although the etiology of PD is unknown, but major biochemical processes such as oxidative stress is largely described. Angiotensin II activates NADPH depending oxidases and produce superoxides formation. Morus nigra L. extract is an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme [ACE] inhibitor and tested for anti-Parkinsonism effects by biochemical and behavioral evaluations

Materials and Methods: In total 48 Male Wistar rats weighting 200-250 g were divided into 4 groups: [1] Sham [normal saline was injected in the left SNC], [2] Neurotoxin [injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into left SNC], [3] Morus nigra L. aqueous extract and [4] captopril. Morus nigra [10 mg/kg] and captopril [5 mg/kg] were daily-injected i.p. from 6 days before neurotoxin injection, until one day after 6-hydroxydopamine injection. Muscle stiffness and apomorphine test were assessed in 6 rats of any groups after two weeks. Protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and ACE activity were assessed in brains of 6 rats of each group after 24 hours

Results: Rotation test with apomorphine, Rigidity with Murprogo's test, and lipid peroxidation in sham, captopril and Morus nigra groups were significantly lower than neurotoxin group. Protein oxidation in Morus nigra group was significantly lower than neurotoxin group. Brain ACE activity in neurotoxin, captopril and Morus nigra groups were inhibited

Conclusion: Morus nigra L. extract had protective effects on neuronal oxidation and death and improved signs of PD possibly by ACE inhibition

Peganum harmala L. extract reduces oxidative stress and improves symptoms in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced Parkinson's disease in rats

Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders. There are many documents about the effects of oxidative stress in Parkinson's disease etiology. Angiotensin II activates NADPH dependent oxidases and causes superoxides formation. Peganum harmala L. extract, which has angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitory effect, is considered to evaluate oxidative stress inhibition and Parkinson's disease improvement. Male rats weighting 200-250 g were divided into 5 groups: Control, Neurotoxin [injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into left hemisphere substantia nigra], Peganum harmala's seedsaqueous extract [10 mg/kg] and captopril [5 mg/kg]. Peganum harmala and captopril were injected intraperitonealy -144, -120, -96, -72, -48, -24, -2, 4 and 24 h relative to 6-hydroxydopamine injection time. Muscle stiffness, apomorphine induced unilateral rotation, amount of brain's protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation, ACE activity and histology of substantia nigra were assayed in all groups. Peganum harmala improved Muscle stiffness and one-direction rotation behavior significantly. It also reduced brain's lipid and protein oxidation levels in neurotoxin-injected rats significantly. In Peganum harmala group compared to control group, brain's ACE activity was significantly inhibited. In histological study, Peganum harmala prevented degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, too. In conclusion, aqueous extract of Peganum harmala could prevent symptoms and reduced oxidative stress markers in rats with Parkinson's disease induced by 6-hydroxydopamine

Fabrication and characterization of spongy denuded amniotic membrane based scaffold for tissue engineering

As a biological tissue material, amniotic membrane [AM] has low immunogenicity and to date has been widely adopted in clinical practice. However, some features such as low biomechanical consistency and rapid biodegradation is limited the application of AM. Therefore, in this study, we fabricated a novel three-dimensional [3D] spongy scaffold made of the extracellular matrix [ECM] of denuded AM. Due to their unique characteristics which are similar to the skin, these scaffolds can be considered as an alternative option in skin tissue engineering. In this experimental study, cellular components of human amniotic membrane [HAM] were removed with 0.03% [w/v] sodium dodecyl sulphate [SDS]. Quantitative analysis was performed to determine levels of Glycosaminoglycans [GAGs], collagen, and deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA]. To increase the low efficiency and purity of the ECM component, especially collagen and GAG, we applied an acid solubilization procedure hydrochloridric acid [HCl 0.1 M] with pepsin [1 mg/ml]. In the present experiment 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethyl aminopropyl] carbodiimide hydrochloride [EDC]/N-hydroxysuccinimide [NHS] cross linker agent was used to improve the mechanical properties of 3D lyophilized AM scaffold. The spongy 3D AM scaffolds were specified, by scanning electron microscopy, hematoxylin and eosin [H and E] staining, a swelling test, and mechanical strength and in vitro biodegradation tests. Human fetal fibroblast culture systems were used to establish that the scafolds were cytocompatible. Histological analysis of treated human AM showed impressive removal of cellular components. DNA content was diminished after treatment [39 +/- 4.06 micro g/ml vs. 341 +/- 29.60 micro g/ml]. Differences were observed between cellular and denude AM in matrix collagen [478 +/- 18.06 micro g/mg vs. 361 +/- 27.47 micro g/mg].With the optimum concentration of 1 mM NHS/EDC ratio1:4, chemical cross-linker agent could significantly increase the mechanical property, and resistance to collagenase digestion. The results of 2, 4, 6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid [TNBS] test showed that cross-linking efficiency of AM derived ECM scaffolds was about 65% +/- 10.53. Scaffolds treated with NHS/EDC cross-linker agent by 100 micro g/ml collagenase, lost 75% of their dry weight after 14 days. The average pore size of 3D spongy scaffold was 160 micro m measured from scanning electron microscope [SEM] images that it is suitable for cell penetration, nutrients and gas change. In addition, the NHS/ EDC cross-linked AM scaffolds were able to support human fetal fibroblast cell proliferation in vitro. Extracts and contact prepared from the 3D spongy scaffold of AM showed a significant increase in the attachment and proliferation of the human fetal fibroblasts cells. The extra-cellular matrix of denuded AM-based scaffold displays the main properties required for substitute skin including natural in vitro biodegradation, similar physical and mechanical characterization, nontoxic biomaterial and no toxic effect on cell attachment and cell proliferation

[Effects of Cyperus Rtundus hydroalcoholic extract on antineuralgia in diabetic rats]

Background and Aim: Hyperalgesiua is a symptom of neuropathy due to diabetes. The present study aimed at investigating antineurologic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Cyperus Rotundus in diabetic rats

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the rats were randomly divided into seven equal groups i.e. control, Cyperus Rotundus treated control [dose 100mg/kg], diabetic, diabetic receiving sodium salicylate [dose 200 mg/kg], and 3 more diabetic groups peritoneally receiving. Cyperus Rotundus extract doses of 1mg/kg, 10mg/kg, 100mg/kg, respectively. The injections were performed one week after diabetes induction for two weeks. Then, thermoalgesia rate in the subjects was assessed using formalin, acetic acid, and tail immersion of the rats in hot water

Results: Cyperus rotundus extract significantly reduced both phases of formalin-induced pain in a dose-dependent manner of 10mg/kg and 100mg/kg followed by a significant decrease of antineuragia [P<0.001 and P<0.01, repectively]. In the hot water tail immersion test, the treatment of the dose-dependent extract was followed by a significant increase in tail immersion latency in hot water compared to non- treated diabetic group [P<0.1, P<0.05 and P<0.00, respectively1]. In the acetic acid test. treatment with dose-dependent extract decreased the number of abdominal compressions compared to the control and non- treated diabetic groups

Conclusion: Administration of Cyperus rotundus extract for 2 weeks .increased thermoalgia tolerance and reducedchemical pain in an experimental model of diabetes mellitus rats. Thus, this administration can act as an auxiliary treatment for diabetic hyperalgesia

Effect of hexanic and alcoholic extracts of fenugreek seed in male diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is recognized with severe complications. Many herbal medicines have been recommended for treatment of diabetes problem. In this study, the effect of hexanic and alcoholic extracts of fenugreek [Trigonella-foenum graecum] on serum parameters was investigated in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. This experimental study was carried out in 2011 at paramedical school of Guilan University of Medical Sciences, 48 male Sprague Dawley rats [230- 300 gram] were divided into six groups: control, type 1 diabetic, and 2 diabetic groups that receive alcoholic extract and 2 groups receive hexanic extract of fenugreek [100, 200 mg/kg body weight] intraperitonealy for 28 days. For diabetes induction, streptozotocin [60 mg/kg/ intraperitonealy] was used. Blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride [TG], urea, creatinine, uric acid, AST and ALT level was measured. Data were analyzed with spss software 16 and One Way ANOVAs and Tukey test. p<0.05 was statistically significant. Fenugreek extract inhibit weight loss especially in diabetic groups that receive hexanic extract [p=0.006]. blood glucose, total cholesterol, TG, urea, creatinin, uric acid, AST and ALT level was reduced significantly in diabetics groups that receive fenugreek extract [p=0.001]. This effect was stronger in groups that receive Hexanic extract. Fenugreek is a good candidate for reduction of diabetic complications

effect of gundelia tournefortii hydro-alcoholic extract on sperm motility and testosterone serum concentration in mice

Gundelia tournefortii was used as a food and medicinal in human life from past time. The present study has been investigated the effects of Gundelia tournefortii on number and motility of sperms and testosterone serum concentration. In this experimental study, male mice were divided into control and 4 experimental groups [Gundelia tournefortii extract at doses of 100, 200, 400, 800 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally for 14 days]. One week after the last injection, blood samples were collected for hormonal assay. Also weight of testes, motility rate and number of sperms were assessed. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test. Studies showed the number of sperms increased significantly at dose of 400 mg/kg [2.88 +/- 0.4580] [p=0.001].The percentage of sperm motility [p=0.001] and the testicular weight [p=0.012] significantly increased at doses of 200 [36.83 +/- 1.2506] and 400 mg/kg [57.51 +/- 2.1113] [p=0.001]. Testosterone serum level significantly increased at doses of 100 [p=0.05], 200 [p=0.05] and 400 mg/kg [p=0.001] as compared to control group. Gundelia tournefortii extract increases the number, motility of sperm and testosterone level because of antioxidant components for example Quercetin presumably

Major essential oil components, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of hexane extract of Vitexagnus- castus L. fruits and possible mechanism in male mice

Vitexagnus- castus L. [Vac.] has been used in the Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of pain and swelling of uterus. In this study, GC and GC/MS analyses were carried out for the identification of essential oil chemical components. Formalin and Xylene-induced ear-edema were used in order to nociception and inflammation activity. Then, the possible interaction between 3drugs including Naloxone [2mg/kg], Dextrometorphane[20mg/kg], and L-NAME [10mg/kg] have been used and Vitexagnus-castus hexane extract was examined. 1,8-Cineole [23 %], alpha-Pinene [16 %], beta- Pinene [13 %],, Z- Caryophylene [11 %], alpha- Terpinyl acetate [9 %], E- caryophylene [9 %] and Linalool [6.5 %] were the major identified components of the essential oil of Vitexagnus- castus L. Hexane extract was reduced licking time as compared to the control group in the first and second phase of formalin test. In Xylene-induced ear-edema, the hexane extract of Vitexagnus- castus fruits was strongly inhibited inflammation as compared to the positive control group. Interaction between L-NAME and Vitexagnus-castus hexane extract showed significant effect. It was concluded that the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the fruit of Vitexagnus- castus L. may be due to its very pharmacological effective essential oil components. Interaction between L-NAME and Vitexagnus-castus hexane extract showed that one of the possible pathways is NO pathway, but Vitexagnus-castus hexane extract probably acts via other pathways that need more research

Protective effect of Nigella sativa and thymoquinone on serum/glucose deprivation-induced DNA damage in PC12 cells

The discovery and development of natural products with potent antioxidant properties has been one of the most interesting and promising approaches in the search for treatment of CNS injuries. The most significant consequence of the oxidative stress is thought to be the DNA modifications, which can become permanent via the formation of mutations and other types of genomic instability resulting cellular dysfunction. Serum/glucose deprivation [SGD] has served as an excellent in vitro model for the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of neuronal damage during ischemia and for the development of neuroprotective drugs against ischemia-induced brain injury. Nigella sativa [N. sativa] seeds and thymoquinone [TQ], its most abundant constituent, have been shown to possess antiinflammatory, antioxidant, chemopreventive and anti-neoplastic effects both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, in this study we investigated genoprotective effects of N. sativa and TQ on DNA damage of PC12 cells under SGD condition. PC12 cells were cultured in DMEM medium containing 10% [v/v] fetal bovine serum, 100 units/ml penicillin, and 100 micro g/ml streptomycin. Initially cells were pretreated with different concentrations of N. sativa extract [NSE], [10, 50, 250 micro g/ml] and TQ [1, 5, 10 micro g/ml] for 6 h and then deprived of serum/glucose [SGD] for 18 h. The alkaline comet assay was used to evaluate the effect of these compounds on DNA damage following ischemic insult. The amount of DNA in the comet tail [% tail DNA] was measured as an indicator of DNA damage. A significant increase in the% tail DNA was seen in nuclei of cells following SGD induced DNA damage [p<0.001]. In the control groups, no significant difference was found in the% tail DNA between NSE- or TQ-pretreated and vehicle-pretreated PC12 cells [p>0.05]. NSE and TQ pretreatment resulted in a significant decrease in DNA damage following ischemic insult [p<0.001]. This suppression of DNA damage by NSE and TQ was found to be dose-dependent. These data indicate that NSE and TQ have a genoprotective property, as revealed by the comet assay, under SGD condition in PC12 cells

[ effect of thymoquinone on short-term spatial memory, passive avoidance learning and memory of diabetic rats and the involvement of hippocampal oxidative stress]

Chronic diabetes mellitus accompanies disturbance in learning, memory, and cognitive skills. With regard to anti-diabetic and antioxidant activity of thymoquinone [TQ], the effect of its chronic administration on learning and memory of diabetic rats was investigated. In this experimental study, male rats were divided into control, high dose TQ-treated control, diabetic, and low and high dose TQ- treated diabetic groups. TQ was administered i.p. at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg one week after diabetes induction by streptozotocin, for 5 weeks. For evaluation of learning and memory, initial [IL] and step-through latencies [STL] were determined at the end of the study using passive avoidance test, and alternation behavior percentage was obtained using Y maze. In addition, hippocampal homogenate malondialdehyde [MDA] level was measured. STL significantly decreased in diabetic [p<0.01] and TQ-treated diabetic groups [p<0.001]; TQ treatment did not improve it in any of its doses. Alternation percentage was significantly lower in the diabetic group compared to the control [p<0.005]. TQ-treated diabetic group [at a dose of 5 mg/kg] showed a significantly higher score compared with diabetic group [p<0.01]. Diabetic rats also showed a significant increase in tissue level of malondialdehyde [p<0.01] and TQ treatment significantly reduced the level of MDA [p<0.05]. Although chronic treatment of diabetic rats with TQ could not enhance the capability of consolidation and recall in diabetic rats, it could improve spatial memory in them; part of its effect is via attenuation of lipid peroxidation

Cardioprotective effect of fasting on ischemia reperfused rat heart after diazepam administration

Fasting and calorie restriction have some Cardioprotective effects. In view of the effect of fasting on peripheral benzodiazepine receptors and widespread administration of benzodiazepines in medicine, the present study was designed to evaluate whether fasting may affect myocardial vulnerability to cardiac ischemia-reperfusion [I/R] following repeated diazepam administration. Rats were divided into six groups of 8 or 10 animals. Groups I and II were controls which received intra peritoneal injection of normal saline solution for 5 days. Also, Control II underwent fasting on 5th day of experiment. Four test groups received intra peritoneal injection of diazepam for 5 days [groups I and II Img/kg; groups III and IV 5 mg/kg]. Also, test groups II and IV fasted on 5th day of experiment. The Langendorff isolated hearts were subjected to 25 minutes ischemia and 25 minutes reperfusion. Cardiac parameters including - left ventricular developed pressure and rate pressure product were determined. Infarct size was measured by Triphenyltetrazolium staining. Recovery of the left ventricular developed pressure in diazepam groups were significantly lower than control I and II [P=0.049 and P=0.046 respectively]. But there was no significant difference among the controls and test group II, which fasted following diazepam administration. This showed the preservation of the cardiac performance in the fasting animals following administration of diazepam [1 mg/kg]. The results obtained showed the exacerbation of ischemia reperfusion injury in the presence of diazepam and demonstrated the protective effect of fasting which is probably due to modulation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Berberis vulgaris L. root's hydroalcoholic extract and determination of it's possible antinociceptive mechanism in male mice

Berberis vulgaris L. [B. vulgaris] and specially its root have been used for a long time as a plant medicine in many countries including Iran. This plant is native in different parts of the world and is native in north areas of Iran like Khorasan. Recent research on this plant has shown its different therapeutic effects, Alkaloids especially Berberine has the most therapeutic usage among its compounds. This research is about the effects of Berberis vulgaris L. root's hydroalcoholic extract has done in two parts: its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects was determined by Formalin and Xylene test respectively after determination of mortal plant dosage. Their dosage was 20, 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg. The three drugs include Naloxone 2 mg/kg, Dextromethorphan 20 mg/kg and L-NAME 10 mg/kg interact with more significant dosage of B. vulgaris. The results showed antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of root's extract of B. vulgaris in acute and chronic phases of Formalin test. The extract efficiency was analyzed in part two through Formalin test by three drugs individually and also by root's extract. Conclusion: due to reduction of extract's antinociceptive effect in both acute and chronic phases after Naloxone injection, it may concluded that the extract shows its signs through opioid receptors