Efficacy of Oil Pulling in the Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Preliminary Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of oil pulling in the management of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Material and Methods: A total of 62 patients clinically and histopathologically diagnosed as OSMF were incorporated in the present study. The subjects are randomly divided equally into two groups, Group A (oil pulling group) and Group B (placebo group). Subjects in Group A were asked to perform OP with sesame oil on an empty stomach in the morning for 3 months and Group B was given placebo capsules for 3 months. Assessment of various clinical parameters was done regularly, and data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: Eighty-two percent had a habit of betel nut chewing, while 18% of the patients had tobacco chewing habits, which were among the main causative factors for OSMF. Clinical improvements in mouth opening, tongue protrusion, difficulty in speech and deglutition, and burning sensation were significant in the Group A. None of the patients reported any discomfort or side effects. The symptoms were not severe in nature and resolved in few days without stopping the therapy. Conclusion: Oil pulling can bring about significant clinical improvements in the symptoms like a mouth opening and tongue protrusion.

Evaluation of Quality of Chia (Salvia hispanica), Sesame (Sesamum indicum), and Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) Oils

Abstract Each year, the consumption of vegetable oils increases gradually. Some oils, such as chia, sesame, and quinoa, are consumed due to the nutritional properties and health promoters that have been recognized in their components. Based on this premise, the present study aimed to characterize chia (Salvia hispanica), sesame (Sesamum inducum), and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) oils, in order to enable their applications in the development of new food products. Chia oil presented higher degradation, as it stood out with higher amounts of free fatty acids (4.46%) and peroxide value (18.35 meq/kg). It is an oil that is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (75.47%), and, consequently, with high refractive index (1,475) and iodine value (192.86 g/100 g). Quinoa oil stood out for its higher oxidative stability (17.55 h) and higher amount of phenolic compounds (190.84 mg/100 g). Sesame and quinoa oils showed no significant difference for carotenoids, but sesame oil had higher content of total tocopherols (656.50 mg/kg). Thus, the oils can be used in technological processes and/ or in the formulation of new food products, in order to their increase the nutritional value.

Screening, purification, and characterization of an extracellular lipase from Aureobasidium pullulans isolated from stuffed buns steamers / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

An extracellular lipase from Aureobasidium pullulans was obtained and purified with a specific activity of 17.7 U/mg of protein using ultrafiltration and a DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow column. Characterization of the lipase indicated that it is a novel finding from the species A. pullulans. The molecular weight of the lipase was 39.5 kDa, determined by sodium dodecyl sulfonate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The enzyme exhibited its optimum activity at 40 °C and pH of 7. It also showed a remarkable stability in some organic solutions (30%, v/v) including n-propanol, isopropanol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and hexane. The catalytic activity of the lipase was enhanced by Ca2+ and was slightly inhibited by Mn2+ and Zn2+ at a concentration of 10 mmol/L. The lipase was activated by the anionic surfactant SDS and the non-ionic surfactants Tween 20, Tween 80, and Triton X-100, but it was drastically inhibited by the cationic surfactant cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). Furthermore, the lipase was able to hydrolyze a wide variety of edible oils, such as peanut oil, corn oil, sunflower seed oil, sesame oil, and olive oil. Our study indicated that the lipase we obtained is a potential biocatalyst for industrial use.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of sodium hyaluronate, sesame oil, honey, and silver nanoparticles in preventing postoperative surgical adhesion formation. An experimental study

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of sodium hyaluronate, sesame oil, honey, and silver nanoparticles in preventing of postoperative surgical adhesion formation. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups with eight rats in each group including control, hyaluronate, sesame, honey and silver groups. After two weeks the animals underwent laparotomy and were evaluated by two different blinded surgeons for severity of adhesions based on the two different classification scoring systems including Nair classification and cumulative adhesion scoring scale. Results: The scores of severity of adhesions in the hyaluronate and sesame groups were significantly lower than the control group based on the Nair classification (both P-values = 0.02), however based on the cumulative adhesion scoring scale just the score of severity of adhesions in the hyaluronate group was significantly lower than the control group (P-value = 0.02). In the hyaluronate group the severity of adhesions was decreased by 48% based on the cumulative adhesion scoring scale. Conclusions: Sodium hyaluronate and sesame oil may have a significant effect in preventing postoperative surgical adhesion formation.

The Effect of Estrogen Replacement Therapy on Visceral Fat, Serum Glucose, Lipid Profiles and Apelin Level in Ovariectomized Rats

OBJECTIVES: Ovarian hormones have been shown to regulate body weight, intra-abdominal fat accumulation and plasma level of cytokines. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of estrogen replacement therapy on visceral adipose tissue, plasma level of apelin, lipid profiles, and glucose in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. METHODS: Thirty female Wistar rats were divided into OVX (n = 20) and sham (n = 10) groups. OVX rats were subdivided into estrogen replacement therapy (OVX+est; n = 10) receiving 17 β-estradiol valerates (30 µg/kg, s.c., 5 day/week, for eight weeks), and vehicle control group receiving sesame oil same as experiment group (OVX+ses oil; n = 10). After the treatments, all groups were sacrificed and blood samples were collected, visceral fats were taken from the abdominal cavity and weighed immediately. Apelin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Lipid profiles and glucose were measured using the enzymatic colorimetric method. Data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and (P < 0.05) determined as the statistical significance level. RESULTS: After eight weeks, body weight, body mass index (BMI), visceral fat, apelin and lipid profiles (P < 0.01) were increased significantly in OVX rats compared to sham group. Treatment with estrogen leads to significant reduction in body weight and BMI (P < 0.05), there was no significant change in serum apelin level in OVX+est rats compared to OVX+ses. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that estradiol replacement therapy successfully attenuated some of the metabolic syndrome components, and apelin does not probably stand as a mediator of these physiological functions.

Enduring amnesia induced by ICV scopolamine is reversed by sesame oil in male rats

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluated the long-term effect of scopolamine and sesame oil on spatial memory. METHODS: Memory impairment induced by Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of scopolamine hydrochloride (10 μg/ rat). Animals were gavaged for 4 weeks with saline, sesame oil (0.5, 1, or 2 mL/kg/day), or 3 weeks with memantine (30 mg/kg/day) in advance to induction of amnesia. Morris water maze (MWM) test was conducted 6 days after microinjection of scopolamine. Then, blood and brain samples were collected and evaluated for the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities, and total antioxidant status (TAS) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). RESULTS: Scopolamine significantly decreased traveled distance and time spent in target quadrant in probe test. Pretreatment of rats with sesame oil (0.5 mg/kg) mitigated scopolamine-induced behavioral alterations. Measurement of MDA, SOD, and GPX in brain tissue, and FRAP and TAS in blood showed little changes in animals which had received scopolamine or sesame oil. CONCLUSIONS: Intracerebroventricular injection of scopolamine has a residual effect on memory after six days. Sesame oil has an improving effect on spatial memory; however this effect is possibly mediated by mechanisms other than antioxidant effect of sesame oil.

The effect of long-term supplementation with different dietary omega-6/omega-3 ratios on mineral content and ex vivo prostaglandin E2 release in bone of growing rabbits

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to study the different long term effects of consumption of dietary oil sources with varying omega-6/omega-3 (omega-6/omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ratios on bone marrow fatty acid level, ex vivo prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release, and mineral content of bone in rabbits. MATERIALS/METHODS: For this purpose, weaning and female New Zealand white rabbits were purchased and randomly divided into five groups and offered ad libitum diets containing 70 g/kg of added oil for 100 days. The dietary lipid treatments were formulated to provide the following ratios of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids: 8.68 soy bean oil (SBO control), 21.75 sesame oil (SO), 0.39 fish oil (FO), 0.63 algae oil (DHA), and 0.68 algae oils (DHA/ARA). DHA and ARA are two types of marine microalgae of the genus Crypthecodinium cohnii. RESULTS: The dietary treatments had significant effects on the bone marrow fatty acids of rabbits. Rabbits fed the FO diet, containing the highest omega-3 PUFA concentration, and those fed the SBO diet showed the highest omega-6 PUFA. On the other hand, a positive correlation was observed between Ex vivo PGE2 level and the omega-6/omega-3 dietary ratio. Significant effects of dietary treatment on femur Ca, P, Mg, and Zn contents were observed in both genders. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the current study clearly demonstrated that dietary PUFA, particularly omega-6/omega-3 and ARA/EPA ratios are important factors in determining bone marrow fatty acid profile, and this in turn determines the capacity of bone for synthesis of PGE2, thereby reducing bone resorption and improving bone mass during growth.

The effect of long-term supplementation with different dietary omega-6/omega-3 ratios on mineral content and ex vivo prostaglandin E2 release in bone of growing rabbits

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to study the different long term effects of consumption of dietary oil sources with varying omega-6/omega-3 (omega-6/omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ratios on bone marrow fatty acid level, ex vivo prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release, and mineral content of bone in rabbits. MATERIALS/METHODS: For this purpose, weaning and female New Zealand white rabbits were purchased and randomly divided into five groups and offered ad libitum diets containing 70 g/kg of added oil for 100 days. The dietary lipid treatments were formulated to provide the following ratios of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids: 8.68 soy bean oil (SBO control), 21.75 sesame oil (SO), 0.39 fish oil (FO), 0.63 algae oil (DHA), and 0.68 algae oils (DHA/ARA). DHA and ARA are two types of marine microalgae of the genus Crypthecodinium cohnii. RESULTS: The dietary treatments had significant effects on the bone marrow fatty acids of rabbits. Rabbits fed the FO diet, containing the highest omega-3 PUFA concentration, and those fed the SBO diet showed the highest omega-6 PUFA. On the other hand, a positive correlation was observed between Ex vivo PGE2 level and the omega-6/omega-3 dietary ratio. Significant effects of dietary treatment on femur Ca, P, Mg, and Zn contents were observed in both genders. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the current study clearly demonstrated that dietary PUFA, particularly omega-6/omega-3 and ARA/EPA ratios are important factors in determining bone marrow fatty acid profile, and this in turn determines the capacity of bone for synthesis of PGE2, thereby reducing bone resorption and improving bone mass during growth.

Effects of estrogen on food intake, serum leptin levels and leptin mRNA expression in adipose tissue of female rats / 한국실험동물학회지

The integration of metabolism and reproduction involves complex interactions of hypothalamic neuropeptides with metabolic hormones, fuels, and sex steroids. Of these, estrogen influences food intake, body weight, and the accumulation and distribution of adipose tissue. In this study, the effects of estrogen on food intake, serum leptin levels, and leptin mRNA expression were evaluated in ovariectomized rats. Seven-week-old female Wistar-Imamichi rats were ovariectomized and divided into three treatment groups: group 1 (the control group) received sesame oil, group 2 was given 17beta-estradiol benzoate, and group 3 received 17beta-estradiol benzoate plus progesterone. The body weight and food consumption of each rat were determined daily. Serum leptin levels and leptin mRNA expression were measured by ELISA and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. Food consumption in the control group was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that in groups 2 and 3, although body weight did not significantly differ among the three groups. The serum leptin concentration and leptin mRNA expression were significantly higher (P<0.05) in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1, but no significant difference existed between groups 2 and 3. In conclusion, estrogen influenced food intake via the modulation of leptin signaling pathway in ovariectomized rats.

Effects of Sesame Oil on the Reproductive Parameters of Diabetes Mellitus-Induced Male Rats

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of sesame oil on the reproductive parameters of diabetic male Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The adult male rats in a split plot design were divided into normal (n=10), normal 5% (n=5; 5% sesame oil enriched diet), diabetic (Streptozocin induced diabetes; n=9), diabetic 5% (n=9; 5% sesame oil enriched diet), and diabetic 10% (n=9; 10% sesame oil enriched diet) groups. Diet supplementation continued for 56 days. RESULTS: Sesame oil supplementation did not reduce the plasma glucose concentration of rats in the diabetic groups (p>0.05). The total spermatogonia, spermatocytes, Leydig cells/tubule, and the germ cell to Sertoli cell ratio were lower in the diabetic rats than the normal ones (p<0.05), and with the exception of spermatogonia counts, these values improved by the addition of sesame oil to the diet (p<0.05). The sperm progressive motility and viability were lower in the diabetic rats (p<0.05) and sesame oil supplementation did not improve them. Incorporation of sesame oil into the diet improved the plasma testosterone concentration of the diabetic rats in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, sesame oil supplementation improved the reproductive parameters of diabetic rats at the levels of the testicular microstructure and function, but was not effective in protecting the epididymal sperm.

Tributyltin increases the expression of apoptosis- and adipogenesis-related genes in rat ovaries / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Tributyltin (TBT), an endocrine disrupting chemical, has been reported to decrease ovarian function by causing apoptosis in the ovary, but the mechanism is not fully understood. Therefore, we examined whether TBT increases the expression of adipogenesis-related genes in the ovary and the increased expression of these genes is associated with apoptosis induction. METHODS: Three-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered TBT (1 or 10 mg/kg body weight) or sesame oil as a control for 7 days. The ovaries were obtained and weighed on day 8, and then they were fixed for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) or frozen for RNA extraction. Using the total RNA of the ovaries, adipogenesis- and apoptosis-related genes were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The ovarian weight was significantly decreased in rats administered 10 mg/kg TBT compared to that in control rats. As determined by the TUNEL assay, the number of apoptotic follicles in ovary was significantly increased in rats administered 10 mg/kg TBT. The real-time PCR results showed that the expression of adipogenesis-related genes such as PPARgamma, aP2, CD36, and PEPCK was increased after TBT administration. In addition, apoptosis-related genes such as TNFalpha and TNFR1 were expressed more in the TBT-administered rats compared with the control rats. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that TBT induces the expression of adipogenesis- and apoptosis-related genes in the ovary leading to apoptosis in the ovarian follicles. These results suggest that the increased expression of adipogenesis-related genes in the ovary by TBT exposure might induce apoptosis resulting in a loss of ovarian function.

Tributyltin increases the expression of apoptosis- and adipogenesis-related genes in rat ovaries / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Tributyltin (TBT), an endocrine disrupting chemical, has been reported to decrease ovarian function by causing apoptosis in the ovary, but the mechanism is not fully understood. Therefore, we examined whether TBT increases the expression of adipogenesis-related genes in the ovary and the increased expression of these genes is associated with apoptosis induction. METHODS: Three-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered TBT (1 or 10 mg/kg body weight) or sesame oil as a control for 7 days. The ovaries were obtained and weighed on day 8, and then they were fixed for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) or frozen for RNA extraction. Using the total RNA of the ovaries, adipogenesis- and apoptosis-related genes were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The ovarian weight was significantly decreased in rats administered 10 mg/kg TBT compared to that in control rats. As determined by the TUNEL assay, the number of apoptotic follicles in ovary was significantly increased in rats administered 10 mg/kg TBT. The real-time PCR results showed that the expression of adipogenesis-related genes such as PPARgamma, aP2, CD36, and PEPCK was increased after TBT administration. In addition, apoptosis-related genes such as TNFalpha and TNFR1 were expressed more in the TBT-administered rats compared with the control rats. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that TBT induces the expression of adipogenesis- and apoptosis-related genes in the ovary leading to apoptosis in the ovarian follicles. These results suggest that the increased expression of adipogenesis-related genes in the ovary by TBT exposure might induce apoptosis resulting in a loss of ovarian function.

Thermic Effect of Food, Macronutrient Oxidation Rate and Satiety of High-fat Meals with Butter and Sesame Oil on Healthy Adults / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to measure and investigate the acute effects of two fatty meals (high-SFA & high-PUFA) on post-prandial thermic effect, substrate oxidation, and satiety. Eight healthy adults (four males and four females) aged 19-22 years were assigned to consume two isocaloric meals: high in saturated fatty acids from butter and high in polyunsaturated fatty acids from sesame oil. Indirect calorimetry was used to measure resting energy expenditure (REE), post-prandial energy expenditure for five hours, and substrate oxidation. Satiety of the subjects after meals was estimated by using visual analogue scales (VAS). Five hours thermic effect of food (TEF) was not significantly different between butter meal (6.5% of energy intake) and sesame oil meal (7.3% of energy intake), but, the TEF of butter meal reached the peak point at 150 min and decreased more rapidly arriving to REE in 270 min. On the other hand, TEF of sesame oil meal reached the peak at 90 min and decreased slower than butter meal (still higher than REE at 300 min). No significant differences in substrate oxidation rates were found between the two meals. Post-prandial fat oxidation rates increased significantly after the consumption of both butter and sesame oil meal than that of the pre-prandial state. Satiety values (hunger, fullness, and appetite) were similar among the meals, but recovery of hunger and fullness to the pre-prandial state was faster in butter meal than that of the sesame oil meal.

Mechanism of oil-pulling therapy - In vitro study.

Background: Oil pulling has been used extensively as a traditional Indian folk remedy without scientific proof for many years for strengthening teeth, gums and jaws and to prevent decay, oral malodor, bleeding gums and dryness of throat and cracked lips. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of sesame oil and lignans isolated from sesame oil on oral microorganisms and to check whether saponification or emulsification occurs during oil-pulling therapy. Materials and Methods: The in vitro study was carried out in three different phases: (1) Antibacterial activity of the lignans and sesame oil were tested by minimum inhibitory concentration assay by agar dilution method and agar well diffusion method, respectively. (2) Increase in free fatty acid level of oil and the quantity of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) used up in the titration are good indicators of saponification process. This was assessed using analytical tests for vegetable oils. (3) Swished oil was observed under light microscope to assess the status of the oil, presence of microorganisms, oral debris and foreign bodies. Results: Sesamin and sesamolin isolated from sesame oil did not have any antibacterial effect against oral microorganisms like Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus viridans. Emulsification of sesame oil occurs during oil-pulling therapy. Increased consumption of NaOH in titration is a definite indication of a possible saponification process. Conclusion: The myth that the effect of oil-pulling therapy on oral health was just a placebo effect has been broken and there are clear indications of possible saponification and emulsification process, which enhances its mechanical cleaning action.

Effect of combination of edible oils on blood pressure, lipid profile, lipid peroxidative markers, antioxidant status, and electrolytes in patients with hypertension on nifedipine treatment

To determine the effect of combination of edible oils on blood pressure, anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, lipid peroxidative markers, antioxidant status and electrolytes in drug [nifedipine] taking patients with hypertension. In this study, patients were separated into 4 groups. Normal [n=14], hypertensive patients [n=38], 38 patients under medication with nifedipine were divided into 2 groups nifedipine control [n=12] and nifedipine + oil combination [sesame + sunflower oil] groups [n=26]. Sesame and sunflower oil combination was supplied to patients and instructed to use it as the only oil source for 45 days. Blood pressure and anthropometric parameters were measured at baseline and after 45 days. Lipid peroxidative markers, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, lipid profile and electrolytes in blood were also measured. The study took place at Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, India between January 2005 and December 2008. Nifedipine and oil-mix consumed patients significantly decreased the blood pressure, lipid peroxidative markers, lipid profile excluding the high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], sodium, chloride, and increased enzymatic, non-enzymatic antioxidants, HDL-C and potassium levels when compared to nifedipine alone treated hypertensive patients. Nifedipine and oil-mix provided good protection over blood pressure and lipid peroxidation, and brought enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, lipid profile, and electrolytes towards normalcy in hypertensive patients

Effects of early prepubertal exposure to bisphenol A on the onset of puberty, ovarian weights, and estrous cycle in female mice / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used extensively to manufacture plastics and epoxy resin liners for food and beverage cans. BPA, with properties similar to estrogen, has endocrine-disrupting effects. In the present study, we examined the effects of early prepubertal BPA exposure on the onset of puberty and reproductive parameters such as estrous cycle and reproductive organ weights in female mice. METHODS: Female mice were injected subcutaneously at postnatal day (PND) 8 with BPA (0.1, 1, 10, 100 mg/kg) in sesame oil or with sesame oil alone. Body weight was measured from PND 10 to 70. Vaginal opening and estrous cycle were monitored from PND 20 to 29. Animals were sacrificed at PND 25, 30, and 70, and the ovary and uterus weights were measured. RESULTS: Early prepubertal exposure to BPA (10 and 100 mg/kg) significantly decreased body weight from PND 18 to 30. BPA treated mice at testing dose levels showed early opening of the vagina compared to the control group. The number of estrous cycle and days of estrus were significantly decreased in high dose (100 mg/kg) BPA treated mice. The ovary weight at PND 25 and 30 was significantly decreased in all BPA treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Early prepubertal exposure to BPA accelerated the onset of puberty but decreased reproductive parameters in female mice.

Component difference of herb materials extracts with sesame oil fry and SFE-CO2 technique for compound ulcer oil / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the component difference of herb materials extracts of sesame oil fry and SFE-CO2 technique for compound ulcer oil.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Qualitative analysis of main component of dahuan, baizhi and chuangxiong in two extracts above was conducted by TLC. The contents of total anthraquinones, imperatorin and ferulic acid in two extracts were determined by UV and HPLC.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>TLC experiment found that spots color of small Rf value component in oil extract were lighter than that in SFE-CO2 extract, but there was not obvious different between two extracts. Quantity analysis showed that SFE-CO2 extract owned much higher transfer rate of total anthraquinones, and it was 1.9 times of oil extract. Ferulic acid was similar in two extracts, and they were all below 10%. The contents of imperatorin in oil extracts were slight higher than that in SFE-CO2 extract.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The components in the extracts of sesame oil fry for the herb materials of compound ulcer oil are the same as SFE-CO2 extract. Because SFE-CO2 extracts have no solvent limited for next preparation, it has more advantage.</p>

Biochemical and molecular evaluation of some Egyptian oils as antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents

The Antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of black seed oil, sesame oil and olive oil were evaluated. The in vitro scavenging activities of the three oils on H[2]O[2] and DPPH radicals, microsomal lipid peroxidation, and the iron-chelating ability were studied. In addition, the anticancer activity; cytotoxicity of the three oils on liver [HEP G2], breast [MCF7] and colon [HCTI 16] human tumor cell lines were also tested using sulphorhodamine B [SRB] assay, DNA fragmentation by two methods: agarose gel electrophoresis and diphenylamine assays and two lysosomal enzymes: DNase II and cathepsin D. Caspase-3 activity was also determined. Furthermore, we have investigated alterations in the glutathione [GSH] and lipid peroxidation [LPO] level and the activities of antioxidative enzymes, catalase [CAT] and glutathione-s-transferase [GST] as markers of acute inflammation, following oral administration of the three oils and indomethacin in rats treated with carrageerian-induced paw oedema. The results showed that all of these oils by three concentrations: 25, 50 and 100 micro g ml[-1] scavenged H[2]O[2] and DPPH radicals and inhibited the lipid peroxidation process. The iron ions were chelated by the three oils. Moreover, the black seed oil and olive oil exhibited an efficient cytotoxicity against HEPG2, MCF7 and HCTI 16 carcinoma cell lines, while sesame oil did not maintain any cytotoxic property against all tumor cell lines under our experimental conditions. The cytotoxicity was confirmed by increase the activity of caspase-3 activity, DNase II and cathepsin D and DNA fragmentation. Also, the three oils at 50 and 100 mg kg[-1] orally produced significant anti-inflammatory effect after I hours of carrgeenan injection till 4 hours. The three oils alleviated increases in.the activities of CAT and GST enzymes and lipid peroxidation content resulting from oedema. Also they ameliorated depressions in the GSH level caused by carrageenan injection. Our results concluded that these oils can be used as a source of natural antioxidants and dietary supplements to prevent free radical diseases such as cancer, cirrhosis, diabetes and inflammation

Effect of oil pulling on plaque induced gingivitis: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Oil pulling has been used extensively as a traditional Indian folk remedy for many years for strengthening teeth, gums, and the jaw and to prevent decay, oral malodor, bleeding gums, dryness of the throat, and cracked lips. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oil pulling with sesame oil on plaque-induced gingivitis and to compare its efficacy with chlorhexidine mouthwash. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 age-matched adolescent boys with plaque-induced gingivitis were selected for this study. They were divided randomly into the study or oil pulling group (Group I) and the control or chlorhexidine group (Group II) with 10 subjects in each group. Plaque index and modified gingival index scores were recorded for the 20 subjects and baseline plaque samples were also collected. The plaque samples were used to identify the microorganisms and to measure the total colony count of the aerobic microorganisms present. The study group was subjected to oil pulling with sesame oil and the control group was given chlorhexidine mouthwash everyday in the morning before brushing. Reassessment of the index scores and collection of plaque for measuring the colony count of the aerobic microorganisms was done after 10 days. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction of the pre- and post-values of the plaque and modified gingival index scores in both the study and control groups (P < 0.001 in both). There was a considerable reduction in the total colony count of aerobic microorganisms present in both the groups. CONCLUSION: The oil pulling therapy showed a reduction in the plaque index, modified gingival scores, and total colony count of aerobic microorganisms in the plaque of adolescents with plaque-induced gingivitis.

effect of massage with Sesame oil on infant anthropometric measurements and their sleep pattern

Massage is an important part of baby and infant health care in different societies. Considering specific role of massage with natural oils, we studied the effect of massage with sesame oil on infant anthropometric measurements and their sleep pattern. This clinical-trial study was performed on 150 two months healthy infants who were referred to the health care centers in Arak city. Samples were randomly divided into one of the following groups: massage with sesame oil, massage only and no massage. In sesame oil group, mothers performed massages on whole of their infant body for a period of 10 minutes, two times per day for 4 weeks. In solely massage group, the method was the same as previous group, but without oil. No massage was done in control group. Anthropometric measurements and sleep pattern were evaluated before and after the interventions and data were analyzed using Chi-square, ANOVA, Kroskal-Wallis and Post-Hoc tests. At the beginning of the study, anthropometric measurements did not show significant difference between groups. After 4 weeks, the average increase in infant weight in sesame oil, solely massage and control group were 1076.23 +/- 273.12, 965.24 +/- 310.12, 686.14 +/- 220.92, respectively [P<0.001]. Mean increased duration of sleep in massage groups was significantly higher in massage groups than control group [P<0.001]. Based on the results of this study, it seems that infant massage, particularly massage with sesame oil can lead to increased weight and improved sleep pattern. It may have positive effect on infants' heights in a longer time