[ review on ruta graveolens l.; its usage in traditional medicine and modern research data]

According to manuscripts, Ruta [rue] was one of the plants which had been abundantly used for prevention and treatment of diseases, both in Iranian and nation's Traditional medicine[TM]. Natives are still using this plant through the world. Clinical and experimental modern trials had shown the anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiarrhytmic, anti-hypertensive, antimicrobial, antifungal, contraceptive and abortive effects of this plant in addition to some central nervous system effects. Almost all of these were mentioned in TM besides a couple of other effects which there were no experimental data about them in modern researches. In other hand, rue contains so many chemicals and complex compounds which their exact effects and mechanism of actions are still not well known. Besides there are some data about toxic effects of rue but there is no reliable toxicological study which could explain the side effects, toxic dosage or detoxification methods. In this review we explain about this plant, its usage in TM and the results of different modern trials and give a plenty of experimental view of points which could be done in future

Reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and practices of Iranian and Afghan men in Tehran province

This study was carried out in south- west Tehran province to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of men, Iranians and Afghan refugees, regarding reproductive health. A questionnaire was used for the assessment. Mean scores for knowledge, attitudes and practices for Iranians were 4.38/30, 13.89/20 and 12.99/31 respectively; for Afghans the scores were 3.79/30, 11.66/20 and 11.88/31. Although the scores in both groups were low, Afghans showed significantly lower scores for attitudes and practices. Access to reproductive health services was the same for both groups. Further scrutiny of men's role in reproductive health, particularly social and cultural factors, is strongly recomended

Evaluation of antifertility effect of the seed oil constituents of Iranian species of melia azadarach L. in male rats

Convenient and effective contraceptive methods have been the subject of extensive and versatile research project, during the past 50 years. In this respect, the use of active herbal constituents is one of the topics of research and investigation. In this study the antifertility activity of seed oil extract of Iranian species of Melia azadarach L. in northern district of country, on male rats, during 2 consecutive steps have been evaluated. The seed oil extract have been prepared according to conventional methods, and were administered orally in 50 and 100 mg/kg daily doses for 60 days. In the first step, the inhibition of fertility indices were assessed with the help of, sperm viability, sperm motility, ESR [Epididymal sperm reserves], DSP [Daily sperm production], GSI [Gonado stomatic index], fertility indices, and serum testosterone content. In the subsequent stage, 3 months after the 60[th] day of compounds administration, the reversibility of the a formentioned indices are determined again. In the first step, a significant reduction in fertility indices to control especially in higher dose were observed. During the next stage, the significant increase in fertility indices are the indication of reasonable recovery and reversibility of extract activity. In summery, the result of this study of this study showed that its activity is reversible

Assessment of urine iodine in school children from urban and rural areas of Tehran in 2001

Following the national survey for Iodine Deficiency Disorder [IDD] in 1989 which manifested endemic goiter in Iran, the iodination program was implemented. By 1998, Iran has managed to become an IDD-free country. This study is a part of continuous assessment to monitor the effectiveness of this program. The prevalence of iodine deficiency was studied by assessment of urine iodine concentration among a random sample of schoolchildren, in the South Tehran. The extent of salt iodination in the public was assessed meanwhile. Most cases [52.19%] showed a urine iodine concentration between 10-30 micro g/dl. As well, 5.85% of pupils had mild iodine deficiency according to world standards, 1.45% of pupils showed moderate and none had severe IDD. Examination of consumed salt in public areas showed 98.8% iodination. Total mean iodine excretion was obviously above the state survey in 1996. The risk of exceeding the allowed limits [<30 micro g/dl] should be attentively studied