Effect tf rubia tinctorum l. extractson carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats

Inflammation is a dynamic process that is elicited in response to various harmful stimulantsthat may threaten the well-being of the host. Herbs have been traditionally used as anti-inflammatory agents since very early times. Rubia tinctorum L. is one of these herbs that havebeen used for treating inflammatory diseases in Iranian traditional medicine. This study aims at considering anti-inflammatory effects of R. tinctorum and comparing its extracts in this property. The root of Rubia tinctorum [Rubiaceae] was collected from Yazd province, in the center of Iran. The root extracts of plant were studied for their anti-inflammatory activity by using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in Wistarmale rats. Indomethacin and normal saline were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Different concentrations of aqueous, ethanolic, and 50% aq. ethanolic extracts [600, 800, 1000 mg/kg] were given orally before carrageenan injection. The paw thickness was measured at 1, 3 and 5 hours after injection. Results: Both, aqueous and 50% eq. ethanolic extracts reduced paw edema at 600 and 800 mg/kg concentrations. Moreover, ethanolic extract showed significant effect only inl[st] hour after carrageenan injection. The results indicated that the aqueous extract were exhibited higher anti-inflammatory effect compared with other extracts. Accordingly, the potent anti-inflammatory effect of the root extracts is attributed to the polar compounds which are extracted in the water

Relation between body humors and hypercholesterolemia: an iranian traditional medicine perspective based on the teaching of Avicenna

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. One of the important risk factors of cardiovascular disease is hyperlipidemia especially high levels of serum cholesterol. Due to the importance of hypercholesterolemia, being a serious condition, various treatments are used to control it, regardless of the cause, most of treatments, focused on reducing the level of serum lipids. This study aims to determine various view points for hypercholesterolemia in Iranian traditional medicine. We used several Iranian traditional medicine resources and literatures; then based on these texts; a pilot study was designed to assess their effects in 10 patients with high plasma cholesterol. The sign and symptoms in main digestive organs [Stomach and liver] were also evaluated. Some patients showed hepatic temperament but all patients had gastric temperament. With reference to Iranian traditional medical texts and literatures, the organs involved in the process of digestion, particularly the stomach and the liver play the most important role. Yet the proper function of stomach as the first step involved in the digestion chain should be emphasized

[Review of antidiabetic plants in Iranian traditional medicine and their efficacy]

High prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its complications and increasing use of complementary therapies, especially herbal therapies, and the need of developing countries to use their indigenous medical methods, motivated us to introduce some plants used in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of this disease. The topic of "ziabetes" [the synonym of diabetes] in some of Iranian traditional medical texts were studied and herbal therapies of this disease were collected. Some edible plant compounds introduced and scientific names of plants in these compounds were identified. Pubmed and Scopus databases were searched for studies regarding hypoglycemic effects of these medicinal herbs on animal or human subjects. Many medicinal herbs and; minerals in single or compound form have been used in Iranian traditional medicine. Plants such as Punica granatum, Rosa damascene, Plantago psyllium, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Coriandrum sativum, Portulaca oleracea and Rumex patientia are the most popular ones. Recent studies on animal or human subjects have shown the hypoglycemic effects of some of these plants. Reassessment of the effects of some antidiabetic plants used in Iranian traditional medicine, proved their efficacy mainly in animals. However, we need more clinical trials to prove safety and; efficacy of these herbs and compounds

[In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of extract of Salvia officinalis and Carum copticum against cariogenic microorganisms]

Based on the attraction of the world society to traditional treatment and the importance of drug extraction of natural material and plants, in this in vitro study the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis and Carum copticum which are very useful in the traditional treatment of mouth and teeth disease have been determined against cariogenic bacteria. In this experimental study, hydroalcoholic extracts have been prepared after sterilization of the extracts by special filter from Salvia officinalis and Carum copticum using the maceration method [serial dilution of the sample by the method]. Their antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Actinomyces viscosus have been evaluated by the broth macrodilution method. Results have been analyzed with Mann-Whitney test. MIC [Minimum Inhibitory Concentration] of Salvia officinalis and Carum copticum for Streptococcus mutans were 6.25 and 12.5 micro gram per milliliter, respectively, These figures were 1.56 and 6.25 micro gram per milliliter for Lactobacillus rhamnosus and 12.5 and 25 micro gram per milliliter for Actinomyces viscosus. Both extracts had inhibitory effects on growth in all three bacterial species. Salvia officinalis had a greater effect on inhibition of growth in all three bacterial species. Salvia officinalis also had a bactericidal effect in the range of concentration

[Study on anti_candida effects of essential oil and extracts of Iranian medicinal plants, in vitro]

Candidiasis is a primary or secondary mycotic infection caused by members of the genus Candida. Recently fungal infections especially Candidiasis has significantly increased. Limitations in treatment of fungal diseases include a few available anti-fungal drugs, side effects, drug resistance and decreased susceptibility of Candida species to anti-fungal drugs, leads to search for new anti-fungal agents as herbal medicines. 17 essential oils and 172 plant extracts, from 50 Iranian plant species obtained through the literature and interviews with traditional healers, were evaluated for Anti_ Candida activity. The essential oils and extracts were tested by disc diffusion against Candida albicans [ATCC=10231]. Amphotericin B, Ketoconazol and Nistatin were used as positive controls. Sixteen [32%] out of the 50 plants were found to be active. The essential oils of Thymus kotschyanus, Zataria multiflora Boiss, Artemisia sieberi, Mentha spicata, Satureia hortensis, Lavandula angustifolia and cuminum cyminum showed high strong activity. The essential oils of Nigella sativa and Rosmarimus officinalis and Myrtus communis showed strong activity. The essential oils of Eucalyptus globules, Pimpinella anisum, foeniculum vulagre, Heracleum persicum, showed intermediate activity. The results of this investigation showed a potent anti_candida activity of selected herbs against Candida albicans type strain. Therefore further investigation need in order to isolate and identify the active compounds to make it available for clinical use

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of hydroalcoholic extract of stachys lavandulifolia vahl S' aerial parts in male mice

In recent years, investigations on different species of Stachys have shown that extracts or components of this species exert various pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, antitoxic, antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the aerial parts of the hydroalcoholic extract of Stachys lavanduifolia Vahl in male mice. In this experimental study which was conducted at Payam-e-Noor and Shahid Beheshti Medical University in 2009-2010, the analgesic effects of Stachys lavanduifolia Vahl in mice were studied, using the formalin and tail immersion tests. Also, the anti-inflammatory effects of this plant was studied in mice, using xylene-induced ear edema. Male NMRI mice, weighing, 20-25 g, were assigned into five groups: negative control [received 0.5% of aqueous solution of Tween 20], positive control in formalin test [received morphine, 10 mg/kg], positive control in xylene test [received dexamethason 15 mg/kg], and experimental groups. Experimental groups were intraperitoneally injected by 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extracts of Stachys lavanduifolia Vahl. Data were analyzed using SPSS software using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test. Results showed that all doses of Stachys lavandulifolia extract [100, 200 and 400 mg/kg], significantly [p<0.001] reduced the licking time in experimental groups, both in acute and chronic phases of formalin test, compared to the control groups. In the hot water tail immersion test, the hydroalcoholic extracts of the plant [200 and 400 mg/kg] showed maximum inhibitory effect in the xylene test. Moreover, all doses of extracts significantly inhibited [particularly the extracts at dose of 400 mg/kg] the xylene-induced ear edema. There was no significant difference with positive control group in this dose. Findings of this study suggested that the extract of Stachys lavandulifolia have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects

[Neuroprotective effect of aqueous extract of Berberis vulgaris L. in a model of parkinson's disease in rat]

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease of dopaminergic neurons in substancia nigra. Superoxides formation is one of the main etiologies of the disease, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEIs] are able to suppress superoxide formation. Berberis vulgaris is an ACE inhibitor and considered for this purpose. Male rats [n=32] were divided in 4 groups: Sham, Neurotoxin [injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into left hemisphere SNC], Berberis vulgaris aqueous extract [10 mg/kg] and captopril. Berberis and captopril were injected i.p. 7 days before and 3 days after 6-hydroxydopamine injection. Muscle rigidity, apomorphine test, brain protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation as well as serum and brain ACE activity were assayed in all 4 groups. Rotation test with apomorphine in captopril and Berberis groups were significantly lower than neurotoxin group [p=0.002]. Lipid peroxidation in captopril was significantly lower than neurotoxin [p=0.013]. Captopril and Berberis both inhibited serum ACE activity respectively, but Berberis inhibited brain ACE too. Berberis vulgaris aqueous extract is an ACE inhibitor with anti-parkinsonism effect and should be studied more

[ vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis and Menta longifolia against three cariogenic bacteria]

The microbial cause of dental caries has been proved among its multifactorial etiologies. The prevention and control of dental caries is very critical because of high prevalence and cost especially in high risk patient such as xerostomia. Based on the world attraction to traditional treatment and importance of drug extraction of natural material and plants, in this in vitro study effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis and Menta longifolia which were very useful in traditional treatment of mouth and teeth disease has been determined against cariogenic bacteria. In this experimental study, hydroalcoholic extracts have been prepared from Salvia officinalis and Menta longifolia with maceration method. Their antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Actinomyces viscosus have been evaluated with broth macrodilution method. Results have been analyzed with Mann-Whitney test. Minimum inhibitory concentration for Salvia officinalis and Menta longifolia for streptococcus mutans were respectively 6.25 and 12.5 micro g/ml, for Lactobacillus rhamnosus 1.56 and 3.12 micro g/ml and for Actinomyces viscosus 12.5 and 100 micro g/ml. Both extracts had growth inhibitory effect on all three bacteria. Saliva officinalis had greater effect on inhibition of growth of all three bacteria [p<0.05]. Both extracts had bactericidal effect in the range of studied concentrations

[Antibacterial activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis and Achillea millefolium against cariogenic microorganisms: an in vitro investigation]

There is an increasing global tendency to use traditional medicines and drug-extracts from natural plant materials. This in-vitro study was conducted in order to evaluate the cariostatic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis and Achillea millefolium. In this experimental study, hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared from Salvia officinalis and Achillea millefolium using maceration method. The antibacterial activity of these two extracts against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Actinomyces viscosus were evaluated through broth macrodilution method. Data was analyzed with Mann-Whitney test. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration [MIC] of Salvia officinalis and Achillea millefolium for streptococcus mutans were 6.25 and 50 micro gram per milli liter, respectively. The corresponding figures for Lactobacillus rhamnosus were 1.56 and 12.5 micro gram per milli liter; and for Actinomyces viscosus the value were 12.5 and 50 micro gram per milli liter, respectively. The differences between the two extracts were statistically significant. Both extracts had growth inhibitory effect on all three bacteria. Salvia officinalis showed greater inhibitory effect on growth of all three bacteria. Both extracts had bactericidal effect in the considered concentration range

[Anti-giardia activity of carum copticum on giardia lamblia cysts in vitro]

Giardiasis, a wide-spread, small intestine parasitic infection, is one of the main causes of human diarrhea, especially in young children. The prevalence of Giardia lamblia was reported to be between 1 and 25 percent; however, it is considerably higher under poor sanitary conditions. Metronidazole is used for the treatment of Giardiasis but it may have undesirable side effects. Carum copticum, a medicinal herb, has been used for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiprotozoal effects for centuries. The present study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro effects of alcoholic extract, and essential oil from Carum copticum on Giardia lamblia. In this experimental study, Giardia lamblia cysts were incubated with the two different extracts of Carum copticum under standard laboratory conditions. After 60 minutes Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations [MIC] of Carum copticum alcoholic extracts and essential oil were 100 mg and 8 mg/ml, respectively. After 120 minutes, MIC of Carum copticum alcoholic extracts and essential oil were 75 mg and 6 mg/ml, respectively; and after 180 minute MIC of Carum copticum alcoholic extracts and essential oil were 75 and 4 mg/ml, respectively. Findings of this study indicate that Carum copticum is effective against Giardia lamblia in vitro

Immunosuppressive principles from Achillea talagonica, an endemic species of Iran

Achillea talagonica Boiss. [Asteraceae] grows in the western and central parts of Iran. This plant has long been used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent for treatment of rheumatic pain. Previously, the immunosuppressive activity of the aqueous extract of this endemic plant in experimental animals was reported. In this research, isolation of the main immunologically active components of A. talagonica, which were effective on humoral immune responses in BALB/c mice is elucidated. In order to find the main immunosuppressive components of A. talagonica, methanol and methanol-water [80% and 50% v:v] extracts were injected to BALB/c mice and the hemagglutinating antibody titer was assayed after immunization with SRBC [sheep red blood cells]. Guided by this assay, active principles were separated by chromatographic methods. Isolated compounds were identified as caffeic acid 9-O-glucoside [1], quercetin [2], luteolin [3], 3'-methoxy luteolin [4], proline [5] and choline [6] by comparison of their spectral data with those of reported in literatures. Immunosuppressive property of choline [5 mgkg-1] was comparable to those of prednisolone [10 mgkg-1]; although, quercetin [20 mgkg-1] and caffeoyl glucoside [20 mgkg-1] decreased anti-SRBC titer in comparison with control groups. Immunosuppressive effects of A. talagonica are due to some components belonging to betaine, flavonol and phenoilc esters

[Study of antimicrobial effects of organic and aqueous extracts of grains of Triticum sativum Lam. on gram - positive and gram-negative bacteria]

Bacterial diseases are common in human life and antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial diseases. However, antibiotic therapy has the disadvantage of being faced with bacterial resistance. Fortunately experience shows that products prepared from medicinal plants can be used safely and successfully to treat bacterial diseases without presenting the disadvantages of side effects and bacterial resistance. Triticum sativum of Poaceae family has been used in Iranian traditional cure for many years ago. Then, the aim of this study was to determine antibacterial activity of wheat against some bacteria. Then, The aim of this study was to determine antibacterial activity of wheat against some bacteria. The extracts were prepared by the method of maceration using water, methanol, chloroform and petroleum ether as extraction solvents. The effect of the zone of inhibition of different concentrations [25, 50, 75, 100 mg/ml] of the prepared extracts on the above - mentioned bacteria was determined using Kirby- Bauer method and using the disk diffusion technique against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The water extract of all concentrations [25, 50, 75, 100 mg/ml] showed no antibacterial effects. The methanol extract had a significant effect on Streptococcus pyogenes but a weak effect on Staphylococcus aureus. The chloroform extract had a weak effect on both Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. The petroleum ether extract had a significant effect on Streptococcus pyogenes but Weak effects on both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. None of the tested extracts had any effects on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is concluded that organic extracts of wheat had antibacterial activity against some of the gram positive and gram negative bacteria

[Intragastric effect of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. fruit on gastric acid secretion in a rat pylorus - ligated model]

It has been clearly documented that Elaegnaceae have a variety of medicinal uses including anti-ulcerogenic activity. We therefore hypothesized that Elaeagnus angustifulia L. [E. A.] fruit might be involved in the control of stimulated gastric acid secretion. To address this question, we investigated the pharmacological effect of the E. A. fruit extract on carbachol-induced acid secretion in a pylorus-ligated rat. In this study we used pylorus ligation method. Briefly, animals were anesthetized and two cannulas were introduced into the stomach through esophagus to inject drug and pylorododenal junction to collect the stomach juice. Carbachol or histamine was infused into jugular vein and gastric juice was collected in 10-min periods to titrate with NaOH 0.01 N. Our results showed that the E. A. fruit extract dose and time dependently decreased the carbachol- [but not histamine-] stimulated gastric acid secretion when it administered at increased steady level [at 30 minute] of carbachole time-course curve. Stimulated acid secretion was completely suppressed at a dose 600 mg/kg 30 min after drug administration and this inhibitory effect persisted up to the end of experiments [100 min]. Using E.A. fruit extract simultaneously with carbachol infusion had no effect on acid secretion. These results suggested that E.A. fruit has a pH-dependent anti-secretory action on cholinergic-stimulated gastric acid secretion by intragastric administration. It is likely that the inhibitory effect is mediated by cholinergic nervous system and/or non-neuronal membranes

Effects of the Crocus sativus L. extract on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference in female mice

Experiments indicated that Crocus sativus L. extract may have an interaction with morphine. The effects of C. sativus on the euphoric properties of morphine in female mice did not studied. In the present study, the effects of water extract of C. sativus stigma on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference [CPP] in female N-MARI mice [20-25 g] were investigated. This experimental study was conducted on the 136 female mice that were divided in 17 groups [n=8/group]. In a pilot study, different doses of morphine [1, 10 and 20 mg/kg] and the extract [10, 50 and 100 mg/kg] were injected to the animals for evaluation of the drugs ability to induction of place preference. In the second phase of the experiments, the extract of the C. sativus was administered during or after induction of morphine CPP. Then, CPP were tested in the animals. One-way Analysis of Variance [ANOVA] was proformed for statistical procedure. Administration of morphine [1, 10 and 20 mg/kg], increased the time spend in the compartment paired with morphine [i.e. conditioned place preference-CPP]. The increament was significant for the dose 10 and 20 mg/kg of morphine. Administration of the plant extract [50 mg/kg] also produced a significant CPP. Injection of the same doses of the extract before morphine [10 mg/kg] administration, caused a decrease in the time spent in drug-paired side in doses 50 and 100 mg/kg of the extract. In addition, injection of the plant extract in the test day to the animals in which received morphine [10 mg/kg] in the conditioning days decreased the expression of morphine CPP in the animals which was statisticaly significant for dose 10 mg/kg of the extract. It could be concluded that injection of the extract of C. sativus can inhibit the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced CPP. In addition, the extract produced CPP in female mice by it-self. These results indicated that saffron extract might be useful in morphine-induced psychological dependence in human as well

Effects of the crocus sativus l. extract on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization in female mice

The prevalence of opioid addiction is releativly high in Iran. Since the mechanism [s] of opioid addiction are not clear, this social problem is still remained unresolved. In the present study, the effects of water extract of Crocus sativus on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization in female N-MARI mice [20-25 g] are investigated. Sensitization was induced by single injection of morphine [5 mg/kg] for three consecutive days followed by five days resting. On the 9th day of the experiments, the sensitization was assessed in animals by a single injection of very low dose of morphine [0.5 mg/kg]. The extract of the C. sativus was administered during or after induction of morphine sensitization. Then, the sensitization were tested in the animals. In order to evaluate the effects of the drugs on locomotor activity, morphine and the extract were administered to the animal in a pilot study. Our findings show that administration of morphine [0.5,5 and 50 mg/kg], induced a significant activity in animals. The increament was significant for the dose 50 mg/kg of morphine. On the other hand, administration of the plant extract [10, 50 and 100 mg/kg] also produced a significant hyperactivity and hypoactivity in the animals. Preadministration of the animals by extract [10, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.] reduced morphine effects. Injection of the same extract [10, 50 and 100 mg/kg] 30 min before the morphine [5 mg/kg] administration in the traning days, caused a significant decrease in locomotor activity in animals, i.e. reduced the acquisition of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization. Injection of the plant extract [10, 50 and 100 mg/kg] in the test day, 30 min before morphine [0.5 mg/kg] administration also reduced the locomotor activity in the animals, i.e. reduced the expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization. It can be concluded that the extract of C sativus may inhibit morphine-induced hyperactivity and also acquisition and expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization in female mice which could be also usefull in human

[ effects of crocus sativus extract on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference in mice]

The effects of Crocus sativus [Saffron] on the euphoric properties of morphine have not yet been studied. In the present study, the effects of water extract of C. sativus stigma on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced Conditioned Place Preference [CPP] in male N-MARI mice [weighted 20-25 g] were investigated. This experimental study was conducted on 136 male mice that were divided into 17 groups [n=8/group]. In a pilot study, different doses of morphine [1, 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg] and C. sativus extract [10, 50 and 100 mg/kg] were injected to the animals, to evaluate the drugs ability in induction of place preference. In the second phase of the experiments, the extract of the C. sativus was administered during or after induction of morphine CPP. Then, CPP were tested in the animals. One-way analysis of variance [ANOVA] was performed for statistical procedure. Administration of morphine [1, 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg], increased the required time in the compartment paired with morphine [i.e. CPP] that was significant [p<0.001] for those animals that received 4 and 8 mg/kg of morphine. Administration of the plant extract [50 mg/kg] also produced a significant CPP [p<0.01] compared with control group. Injection of the same dose of the extract before morphine [8 mg/kg] administration, caused a decrease in the time spent in drug-paired side only in dose of 100 mg/kg of the extract [p<0.05]. In addition, injection of the plant extract in the test days to the animals, which reveived morphine [8 mg/kg] in the conditioning days, enhanced the expression of morphine CPP in the animals, that was statisticaly significant for the extract at the concentration of 50 mg/kg [p<0.05]. It could be concluded that injection of the extract of C. sativus can inhibit the acquisition but enhanced the expression of morphine-induced CPP. In addition, the extract can produce CPP by itself

[Efficacy of aqueous extract of echium amoenum L. in the treatment of mild to moderate obsessive - compulsive disorder]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a constant dose of aqueous extract of Echium amoenum. Thirty - three patients with obsessive - compulsive disorder who had a score >/= 21 on the Yale - Brown scale were enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or 500 mg of aqueous extract of Echium amoenum. Patients were followed for 6 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by the Yale - Brown Obsessive - Compulsive Rating Scale, in week 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6. In the week 4 and 6, drug was superior to placebo. This difference was significant in the sixth week [p = 0.003] and marginally non significant in the fourth week [P =0.053]. The extract of Echium amoenum did not cause more adverse effects than placebo during the study. It is concluded the aqueous extract of Echium amoenum can be considered as an effective and safe treatment for obsessive - compulsive disorder. However further studies at warranted

[Efficacy of aqueous extract of Echium amoenum L. in the treatment of mild to moderate major depressive disorder: a randomized double blind clinical trial]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a constant dose of aqueous extract of Echium amoenum. Thirty-five patients with mild to moderate major depressive disorder who had a score >/= 18 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to receive either placebo or 375mg of aqueous extract of Echinum amoenum. Patients were followed for 6 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, in week 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6. In the week 4 and 6, drug was superior to placebo. This difference was significant at the fourth week [p =0.018] and marginally non-significant at the sixth week. The extract of Echium amoenum did not cause more adverse effects than placebo during the study. It is concluded that the aqueous extract of Echium amoenum can be considered as an effective and safe treatment for major depressive disorder. However further studies in warranted

[Composition of the volatile oils of the Citrus bigaradia, Citrus limon and Citrus deliciosa]

Composition of the volatile oils of the C.bigaradia, C.limon and C.delicosa have been investigated. The plant materials [leaves] were collected in spring 2000 from Corta [The medicinal plants garden] near Tonecabon, North of Iran. The oils were collected by means of hydrodistilation procedure. The yields were 1.4% v/w, 1.1 % v/w and 1% v/w respectively. Subesequently the oils were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The main constituents of C.bigaradia were linallol [38.72%], linalyl acetare [36.52%], [alpha]-terpineol [8.68%], of C.limon were geranial [31.45%], neral [23.16%], [beta]-pinene [22.39%] and limonenc [6.7%] and of C.deliciosa were sabinene [37.64%], linallol [36.60%], ?-3-carene [4.42%] and citronellal [3.81%]