Effect of caraway extract on the performance of selective attention and cognitive flexibility

This trial study is conducted in the field of psychopharmacology aiming to examine psychological effects of caraway. The sample under study consists of two groups including experimental [N=22] and control [N=28]; both groups were identical in terms of demographic characteristics. The subjects participated voluntarily in the study; they were placed into experimental and control groups by random selection. The evaluation of attention function test was carried out by computerized Stroop effect test. The results from analysis of covariance statistical test [ANCOVA] showed that taking caraway with an effective dose may increase functions of selective attention, response inhibition ability as well as cognitive flexibility and change [p<0.005]. Taking advantage of positive effects of caraway extract, it may be used as one of the herbal medicine in treating stress and increasing different attention functions

Lipid profile improvement after four group psychological interventions in combination to nutritional and physical activity instructing among overweight and obese individuals

Research background approved weight loss would result in improvement of lipid profile. Nowadays, weight management is attained by modifying psychological mediators, as well as dieting and making individuals do more physical activity. Hence, This research was performed to compare effectiveness of different psychological interventions on lipid profile improvement among individuals with overweight and obesity. Using quasi- experimental design, 68 participants with mean age 26 years and 9 months [ranged from 20 to 43] were randomly assigned into 4 groups [including LEARN, CBT, CT, and MCT], and eventually 61 participants completed the treatment protocols. BMI was calculated by Omron digital body composition instrument, and blood lipids and glucose concentrations were measured prior to and after all interventions. Data analysis by using t- test for dependent groups analysis revealed lipid profile, FBS, and BMI were significantly modified after applying 4 interventions comparing baseline and post treatment mean differences [P<0.05]. Furthermore, repeated measure design analysis showed there were significant mean differences [P<0.05] in HDL cholesterol, TG levels and FBS levels among 4 groups. Scheffe test revealed more detailed significant differences among four groups in HDL cholesterol, and FBS concentration varieties [P<0.05]. Adding psychological interventions to dietary plans and regular physical activities in overweight management would consider as a valuable step in optimizing physiological outcomes and that's because of correcting mind- body interactional pathways among obese and overweight individuals