[Green synthesis of iron nano particles using Mentha longifolia L. extract]

Background: Zero- iron nanoparticles, due to their high degradation properties, cause the destruction of many pollutants. Among the methods for synthesizing iron nanoparticles, green synthesis using plant extracts is more beneficial for the synthesis of nanoparticles than other methods

Objective: In this research, zero iron nanoparticles are synthesized in a one-step process by using of Mentha longifolia L. extract, which includes phenolic compounds, from the reduction of iron [III] chloride salt. The purpose of this research is to synthesize and develop a green method for the preparation of zero iron nanoparticles

Methods: The extract was obtained by percolation method at room temperature and distilled water solvent. The extract was added to a FeCl3.6H2O iron solution of 0.01 M. The color change from yellow to dark brown indicates the formation of nanoparticles. Changing in pH and color of the solution after the start of the reaction were investigated and recorded. Specifications of the synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed using SEM [scanning electron microscopy], UV-vis and FTIR

Results: Iron nanoparticles were synthesized at 46 degree C, 87 min and the volume ratio of 0.01 M iron salts to the extract 5:1. In this condition, the nanoscale size was 30.44 nanometers, which was confirmed by the SEM image

Conclusion: The synthesis of zero-iron nanoparticles using Mentha longifolia L. extract is possible. The antioxidant compounds in the plant can reduce iron [III] and produce zero iron nanoparticles

[Effect of different incoming feeds, defatting procedures and solvents on producing of standard silymarin extract]

Background: The medicinal plant milk thistle with the scientific name of Silybum marianum is an annual or biennial herb native to the Mediterranean regions and is found through the world. Extracts from the seeds of this plant have been used to cure liver disorders since ancient times. Featured phytochemicals of this medicinal plant are flavonolignan compounds and silybin is the most important one

Objective: In this study, the effects of applying different incoming feeds, defatting procedures and solvents on silymarin extraction process from the seeds of milk thistle have been investigated

Methods: Reflux extraction was used to obtain extracts. All extracts have been refluxed for 6 hours and the temperature was fixed at 60 degree C. Different incoming feeds including ground seeds, solvent defatted meal, cold press defatted meal, and separated pericarps have been subjected to the extraction system. Also, three different solvents including methanol, methanol 80%, and ethanol 80% were employed. Prepared extracts were weighed and then HPLC method analysis was used for quantifying silymarin compounds

Results: According to the presented data, the concentration and amount of silymarin in different extracts was compared. The extract obtained from ground seeds with methanol was able to reach the most amount of silymarin while the highest concentration of silymarin was obtained from the extract of ground pericarp with ethanol 80%

Conclusion: This study shows that a higher amount of active ingredient can be extracted by using ground seeds and methanol solvent. Of course, there are more impurities in this extract

Herbal medicine in the treatment of schizophrenia: a review

As a chronic psychiatric disorder, schizophrenia affects the worldwide population with a lifetime prevalence of 1% and considerable long-term mortality, morbidity, and burden. Besides the adverse effects of routine treatment regimens, a significant portion of patients remain symptomatic despite treatment, especially those with negative symptoms which are the major disabling factors in these patients. There is an emerging role for herbal medicine in the treatment of schizophrenia. In this review we focus on some herbal medicines that have been reported to have some effects on schizophrenia

review on biosynthesis, health benefits and extraction methods of fucoxanthin, particular marine carotenoids in algae

Fucoxanthin, an allenic carotenoid, is abundant in macro and microalgae as a component of the light-harvesting complex for photosynthesis and photo protection. This carotenoid has shown important pharmaceutical bioactivity, exerting antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antiobesity, anti-photoaging, anti-angiogenic, and anti-metastatic effects on a variety of biological models. This carotenoid has been proven to be safe for animal consumption, opening up the opportunity of using this bioactive compound in the treatment of different pathologies. In this paper, an updated account of the research progress in biosynthetic pathway and health benefits of fucoxanthin is presented. Meanwhile, a review on the various methods of extraction of fucoxanthin in macro and microalgae is also revisited. According to these studies providing important background knowledge, fucoxanthin can be utilized into drugs and nutritional products

[Comparison of different methods in sennoside extraction from senna alexandrina]

Background: Senna leaf belongs to stimulant laxatives. The laxative effect of this medicinal plant is because of sennosides, aloe-emodin and dynatron which they all belongs to among anthraquinone derivatives family and uses to treat constipation, discharge of the intestine before surgery or abdomen surgeries and tests

Objective: In this study, different methods of extracting from the Senna plant was compared and the extraction of the active ingredient, sennoside B, was optimized by using the response level statistical method

Methods: For the extraction of Senna extract, various extraction methods, including maceration, dynamic maceration [stirrer], ultrasound assisted extraction, microwave assisted extraction and soxhlet extraction using ethanol 96° and 60° as solvent in different times. Regarding to the meanweights of the extracts and active substance sennoside B, The best method was selected. In the next phase, the amount of active substance of sennoside B was optimized using the statistical method of response surface

Results: Considering the mean weights of the extract and amount of sennoside B, dynamic maceration [stirrer] method is the most suitable method to obtain senna extract in the industrial and medicinal extraction.The results of the optimization of the best extraction method [maceration] showed that when influential variables temperature, time, the ratio of substance to solvent and filter mesh were 84°C, 119.7 minutes, 0.04 and 29.7 microns, respectively, the maximum amount of the active substance [3.009%] has been reached

Conclusion: Finally, it can be concluded that active maceration extraction method [stirrer] is suggested as one of the best method to obtain senna extract in industry and the output efficiency of the active substance of sennoside B is affected by introduced optimized conditions mentioned

review of the medicinal plants from the tragopogon Spp.

Tragopogon is a genus of Asteraceae family and Lactuceae tribe. Distribution of this genus in different areas resulted to its dietary and feed applications as well as medicinal uses. Different parts of these plants have been used in treatment of stomachache and digestive disorders

In Iranian traditional medicine they used as hemostatic and wound healing agent in nose, ears, lungs, throat, intestine, stomach, and skin bleeding. Reduction of lipid peroxidation and blood lipid level, antioxidant, antileukemic, and antibacterial effects, and healing effect on inflammatory bowel disease are some of evaluated pharmacologic effects of the plants in this genus. Flavonoids, terpenes, saponins, bibenzyl and hydroisocoumarins, phenolic compounds, and strolls are some of detected phytochemicals of these plants that majority of them have been identified through the chemotaxonomic studies. Some tragopogon plants with high antioxidant effect are able to protect the tissues from the inflammatory disorders and inhibit DNA damage in the determined concentrations

Optimal fabrication of nano menthol/PEG particles by electrospraying

Background: L-menthol [[1R,3R,4S]-[-]-menthol] is a flavoring that is the main component of mint herb essential oils, especially of the Mentha piperita and Mentha arvensis species. Its low solubility in aqueous systems makes precise formulation necessary in the final products. Of the methods available for fabrication of nanoparticles for use in pharmaceuticals, electrospraying is easy and requires only one step

Objective: Electrospraying was used to fabricate menthol/PEG micro/nanoparticles. The experiments used menthol concentrations of 10%, 15% and 20% [wt] and PEG concentrations of 5%, 10% and 15% [wt]

Methods: The effect of menthol and PEG concentration on the morphology of the fabricated particles was investigated using scanning electron microscopy [SEM]. Response surface methodology [RSM] was used to determine the best levels for each parameter under optimal conditions

Results: SEM results revealed that an increase in PEG and menthol concentrations in solution, increased the particle diameters. RSM showed that particle diameter should be calculated as the square root of a function of the first order and cubic forms of menthol and PEG. Optimization results show that the optimal menthol concentration is 10.7% [wt] and PEG concentration is 7.31% [wt]. The optimal modeled particle diameter of 1219 nm approached the real test particle diameters [1136 nm]. The results indicate that the modeled conditions were appropriate for menthol/PEG electrospray particles

Conclusion: The results showed that the maximum PEG concentration effects particle diameter because of its polymeric structure. At high menthol concentrations, the percentage of menthol in a droplet was greater than the PEG concentration and some menthol sublimated during drop formation. At low menthol concentrations, PEG covered the menthol and prevented sublimation, decreasing the effect of menthol concentration

[In vitro anti-toxoplasma effects of ethanolic extracts of Artemisia absinthium L., Carum copticum L. and Gossypium Hirsutum]

Background: Production of anti-Toxoplasma drug with high efficacy and low side effect is one of the main priorities in toxoplasmosis researches. Herbal extracts has considered as a candidate for this purpose

Objective: This study was performed in order to determine lethal effect of Artemisia absinthium L., Carum copticum L. and Gossypium hirsutum extracts on Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in vitro free cell line

Methods: Tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain were treated with concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 200 mg/ml of Artemisia absinthium L., Carum copticum L., and Gossypium hirsutum extracts within 10, 30, and 45 min. Afterward, the tachyzoites were stained with alkaline methylene blue. Mortality rates of tachyzoites treated with extracts were determined. The results were analyzed with one way ANOVA and Post Hoc Test by SPSS software. P<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant

Results: The overall, 100% of tachyzoites were killed at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 mg/ml of Artemisia absinthium L. and 200 mg/ml of Carum copticum L. after 10, 30, and 45 min treatment. The lowest mortality rates at concentration of 10 mg/ml were 19.6 +/- 8.4, 4.30 +/- 2.26, and 4.63 +/- 2.1 for Artemisia absinthium L., Carum copticum L., and Gossypium hirsutum, respectively. The highest and lowest mortality rate of tachyzoites by Gossypium hirsutumin extract was 13.3 +/- 7.1. The mortality of tachyzoites were confirmed by bioassay in mice

Conclusion: Anti-Toxoplasma activities of Artemisia absinthium L. and Carum copticum L. were significantly higher than Gossypium hirsutum. Further studies in order to clarify effectors are recommended

A Systematic Review on Main Chemical Constituents of Papaver bracteatum

Papaver bracteatum Lindly [Papaveraceae] is an endemic species of Iran which has economic importance in drug industries. The main alkaloid of the plant is thebaine which is used as a precursor of the semi-synthetic and synthetic compounds including codeine and naloxone, respectively. This systematic review focuses on main component of Papaver bracteatum and methods used to determine thebaine. All studies which assessed the potential effect of the whole plant or its extract on clinical or preclinical studies were reviewed. In addition, methods for determination of the main components, especially thebaine, which have been published from 1948 to March 2013, were included. Exclusion criteria were agricultural studies that did not assess. This study has listed alkaloids identified in P. bracteatum which reported since 1948 to 2013. Also, the biological activities of main compounds of Papaver bracteatum including thebaine, isothebaine, [-]-nuciferine have been reviewed. As thebaine has many medicinal and industrial values, determination methods of thebaine in P. bracteatum were summarized. The methods have being used for determination of thebaine include chromatographic [HPLC, GC and TLC] and non chromatographic methods. HPLC methods seem to be the best method from the angle of time consuming, cost and data accuracy and precision

[ analytical review on methods for the isolation and determination of glycyrrhizic acid from glycyrrhiza glabra]

Glycyrrhiza glabra [Licorice] is a perennial shrub belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is widely used in food; pharmaceutical products and tobacco industry because of its important secondary metabolites. Due to worldwide uses of licorice, it has significant role in export. One of the main bioactive compounds of the root is glycyrrhizic acid [GA] which is a saponine containing three carboxyl and five hydroxyl groups. Glycyrrhizic acid is used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic remedy for the treatment of bronchial asthma, eczemas and other diseases. There are different methods for separation, purification, and analysis of glycyrrhizic acid [GA] from licorice roots. Most accepted technologies of them include using of solvents, water separation, polymeric macro porous resin and non-ionic surfactants. Also, high-performance liquid chromatography technique is the most important in analysis of GA

[ effect of ginkgo on stress level of nurses]

Mental Health of Nurses in recent decades, attracted more attention. Therefore strategies to reduce stress level is essential. Ginkgo biloba is one of thes herbs that has widely usage in complimentary medicine.With regard to the these points and consider of positive effects of Ginkgo biloba, this study aimed to assess the effect of Ginkgo biloba on nurses stress levels. This clinical trial was a double blined cross sectional study that nurses eligible to participate in the study using sampling methods were selected and Then randomly given drug or placebo to nurses. The medication and placebo was 40 mg, twice a day. After the two -week, the experimental and control group were switched. In this study 62 nurses for two weeks consume ginkgo. Sum score of occupational stress questionnaire in case group after intervention was 40.15 with standard deviation 10.26. sum score of occupational stress questionnaire in control group after intervention was 34.55 with standard deviation 12. With regard that stress in nurses has problems such as decrease quality of care and unsatisfaction and unefficacy and fatigue and these factors lead to emotional disorder then intervention for control them is necessary. Therefore with regard that this research identify positive effect of ginkgo on stress levels and ginkgo is a part of complimentary therapy has a wildly application then we can use that for increase quality of life in nurses

Effects of sophora alopecuroides l., zingiber officinale rose, and melissa officinalis l. in formalin and straub tail tests

S. alopecuroides, Z. officinale and M. officinalis are used traditionally in the treatment of pain. To evaluate the plants effects in the rat formalin test and their activity on the opioid receptors. Each rat was placed individually in a cage for 30 min to get acclimated. Then 0.05 ml of 10% formalin was injected subcutaneously into the dorsal surface of the right hind paw of the rat. Afterward, the animal was returned to the cage for observation. Pain responses were scored at 30 and 60 min after formalin injection. 90% ethanol extract was injected subcutaneously 30 min before formalin injection. To evaluate the role of opioid receptors in the analgesic effect of the extracts inhibiting the early phase of the test, naloxone was injected subcutaneously 30 min before extract injection. Moreover, the extracts effects on the Straub reaction were studied in mice. Mice were placed in individual cages immediately after extract injection for observation. The positive Straub tail response was considered as a persistent elevation of the tail at an angle more than 45°, 30 min after extract injection. S. alopecuroides and M. officinalis inhibited both phases of the formalin test [p<0.05], but Z. officinale inhibited only the late phase [p<0.05]. Naloxone did not reverse the effects of S. alopecuroides and M. officinalis in the formalin test. Further, the extracts did not cause Straub reaction. The plants have analgesic effect without opioid including micro[2] receptor activity and may not produce the side effects caused by activation of micro[2] receptors

[Medicinal properties of dye - yelding plants: a review]

Dyes are one of the most widely used components in different industries. Recently much attention has been focused on the replacement of natural pigments instead of synthetic colors. One of the most important sources for the production of natural pigments are medicinal plants that small number of them used as industrial and some of them are traditionally used. The worldwide demand for natural dyes increases nowadays due to environmental and echo friendly of them. Many of the plants used for dye extraction are classified as medicinal and some of these have recently been shown to possess remarkable antimicrobial and antiinflamtory activities. The present review describes important information about dye-yelding herbs and their medicinal properties

[ review on medicinal plant of Glycyrrhiza glabra L.]

Glycyrrhiza glabra L [Licorice] as native and pasture medicinal plant has most important export rule. Glycyrrhizic acid [GA] or Glycyrrhizin as a main active component of licorice root and rhizomes, is a triterpenoid saponin claimed to be up to 30-50 times sweeter than sucrose and to be used in pharmaceuticals, food and tobacco industry. Licorice root is a traditional medicine used mainly for the treatment of peptic ulcer, hepatitis C, and pulmonary and skin diseases, although clinical and experimental studies suggest that it has several other useful pharmacological properties such as antiinflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidative, anticancer activities, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective and cardioprotective effects. A large number of components have been isolated from licorice, including triterpene saponins, flavonoids, isoflavonoids and chalcones, with glycyrrhizic acid normally being considered to be the main biologically active component. Understanding of the limitations and challenges in the medicinal plant are need for planning principles for development activities and conservation in this field.In this review summarizes the phytochemical, pharmacological and pharmacokinetics data, together with the clinical as one of the most important herbs in exports and adverse effects of licorice

Over - expression effect of gene encoding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase on production of taxol in Iranian hazel [Corylus avellana L.]

Sustainable and commercial production of taxol as an anti cancer drug is a critical point to its clinical application. Nowadays, hazel because of rapid growth and wide range distribution is considered as an alternative source of Taxol. To increase taxol production the cDNA encoding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase [HMGR] from Iranian hazel [GeneBank accession number KF306244, showed by CIHMGR] was isolated and over-expressed in pCAMBIA1304 binary vector. The effect of transient over-expression of HMGR in callus and leaf were evaluated on Taxol production. The calli was established through the culture of immature cotyledon on Murashige and Skoog basal medium supplemented with 2, 4-D and BA. The first strand cDNA of CiHMGR was synthesized by specific primers. Enzymatic assay of recombinant CiHMGR in E. coli were done by western blott and His-tag affinity techniques. Also production of taxol in transformed callus and leaf were evaluated by HPLC analysis. An Open Reading Frame [ORF] with 1698 bp length and a deduced polypeptide with 566 amino acid residues were amplified. The highest and lowest amount of taxol was 0.016 mg/g. DW and 0.004 mg/gDW in transformed calli and untransformed leaves respectively. Generally the over-expression of HMGR increase the total isoprenoids yield, therefore to have high production of target secondary metabolites [taxol] we need both of network of transformed genes and elicited cell culture

[Analytical review on Persian poppy [Papaver bracteatum lindl.] as a native and economical medicinal plant]

Persian poppy or great scarlet poppy [Papaver bracteatuin LindI.] is proposed as a new source of raw material for codeine production and addiction treatment. This species as a native plant is growing in North and West of Iran. As for possible of illegal cultivation of opium poppy, cultivation of Persian poppy in Iran was associated with restrictions and despite the being abundant biodiversity of this plant in Iran, this plant was not considered yet. However, Persian poppy is lacking in morphine and rich in the baine. It has appropriate potential for domestication, mass production, and industrial processing as a valuable medicinal plant. For this reason, in this study was investigated kind of traits in this plant

Passionflower and sage for mental health

Herbal medicines include a range of pharmacologically active compounds: in some cases it is not well understood which ingredients are important for a therapeutic effect. The supporters of herbal medicine believe that isolated ingredients in the majority of cases have weaker clinical effects than whole plant extract, a claim that would obviously require proof in each case. Generalizations about the efficacy of herbal medicines are clearly not possible. Each one needs systematic research including a variety of animal studies and also randomized clinical trials. In this review we focus on Passiflora incarnata and Salvia officinalis

Anti-hyperglycemic effects of vaccinium arctostaphylos L. fruit and leaf extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. [Caucasian whortleberry] fruit is used as an anti-hyperglycemic agent for treatment of diabetes mellitus. The effects of whortleberry fruit and leaf extracts on the blood levels of fasting glucose, HbA1c [glycosylated hemoglobin], insulin, creatinine and liver enzymes SGOT and SGPT in alloxan-diabetic rats as well as LD[50]s of the extracts in rats were studied. The effects of 2 months daily gavage of each extract at the doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg on the parameters after single alloxan intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 125 mg/kg in the rats were evaluated. To calculate LD[50] [median lethal dose], each extract was gavaged to groups of 30 healthy male and female Wistar rats at various doses once and the number of dead animals in each group within 72 hours was determined. Alloxan injection resulted in significant increase of fasting glucose and HbA1c levels but decreased insulin levels significantly. Oral administration of whortleberry fruit and leaf extracts [each at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg] significantly reduced the fasting glucose and HbA1c levels but significantly increased the insulin levels without any significant effects on the SGOT, SGPT and creatinine levels in the diabetic rats compared with the control diabetic rats. The LD[50]s of the extracts were more than 15 g/kg. Whortleberry fruits and leaves may have anti-hyperglycemic and blood insulin level elevating effects without hepatic and renal toxicities in the alloxan-diabetic rats and are relatively nontoxic in rats

Herbal medicine in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Treatment strategies for AD will have to include a variety of interventions directed at multiple targets. So far, the outcomes with available approved medications for AD are often unsatisfactory, and there is a place for alternative medicine, in particular herbal medicine. Herbal medicines are being used by about 80% of the world population primarily in the developing countries for primary health care. They have stood the test of time for their safety, efficacy, cultural acceptability and lesser side effects. This review tries to summarize the studies regarding Ginkgo biloba, Salvia officinalis, Melissa officinalis and Crocus sativus in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

[Systematic review on effect of Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of autism]

Autistic Disorders, in the category of pervasive developmental disorders, are devastating neurodevelopmental disturbances mainly characterized by impairment of social interaction, communication and behavior. Complementary and alternative medicine is widely used by families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Prevalence of Complementary and alternative medicine use in children with Autistic Disorders is among the highest of any population, Ginkgo biloba a herbal remedy with a long history in China has been investigated for different psychiatric conditions and has comparable use to other Complementary and alternative medicines The purpose of this review is to review the role of Ginkgo biloba in the management of autism