A Randomized Clinical Trial on Therapeutic Effects of Myrtus communis L. Cream on Chronic Skin Lesions and Quality of Life of Sulfur Mustard-exposed Veterans

Abstract: Sulfur mustard is one of the chemical warfare agent. It rapidly reacts with the cutaneous tissues and other tissues, leading to various devastating long-term effects on human health. Mustard-exposed veterans suffer from its chronic skin problems, including itching, burning sensation, and eczema. We aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Myrtus communis L. (myrtle) on chronic skin lesions and quality of life of sulfur mustard-exposed veterans. In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 60 sulfur mustard-exposed patients were evaluated. Thirty patients received myrtle essence 5% cream (case group) and 30 patients received Eucerin cream (placebo group) twice in a day for one month. Then, We assessed the chronic skin problems and itching-related parameters (such as the itching time, severity, distribution, frequency, and calculated itching score), duration of sleep, number of waking up at night, and quality of life in the both groups. Our analysis of data revealed that application of myrtle cream effectively decreased skin problems including; itching and burning sensation. Additionally, myrtle markedly decreased skin lesion symptoms such as excoriation in the case group as compared with before treatment. Noticeably, myrtle cream significantly improved quality of life of the patients in the case group. The present study provides more in-depth information regarding the protective role of myrtle on the sulfur mustard-induces skin complication. Also, myrtle effectively improved quality of life of the sulfur mustard-exposed veterans.

Anti-diabetic effects of fullerene C60 nanoparticle mediated by its anti-oxidant activity in the pancreas in type 1 diabetic rats

Abstract The present study aims to examine the anti-diabetic effects of fullerene C60 nanoparticle, as an anti-oxidant compound, on serum glucose level, body weight, food and water intake, and pancreatic oxidative stress in the rats with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes mellitus was induced by single intravenous injection of streptozotocine (45 mg/kg) into the tail vein of the rats. Four groups of rats were divided as follow: normal, normal treatment, diabetic, and diabetic treatment groups. Normal treatment and diabetic treatment groups received intra-orally fullerene (1 mg/ kg/daily) up to day 60 following streptozotocine injection. Oxidative stress markers in the pancreas were evaluated on day 60 after inducing diabetes mellitus. Injection of streptozotocine significantly increased serum glucose level as well as food and water intake on all experimental days; it decreased body weight on day 60. Streptozotocine increased MDA level and decreased GSH level and SOD activity in the pancreas. Fullerene significantly decreased food and water intake and increased body weight as compared with the diabetic group. Fullerene also could normalize the pancreatic MDA and GSH markers. The present study suggested that fullerene can decrease diabetic symptoms via its anti-oxidant activity in the pancreas in the rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of hydro-alcoholic extract of Lavandula officinalis in mice: possible involvement of the cyclooxygenase type 1 and 2 enzymes

Abstract Lavandula officinalis Chaix, Lamiaceae, extracts can inhibit inflammation and also pain induced by formalin in mice. This study evaluated the effects of L. officinalis hydro-alcoholic extract on pain induced by formalin and also cyclooxygenase (COX) type 1 and 2 activity in mice. To evaluate probable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the extract, flowers were prepared by maceration and extraction in alcohol and their analgesic effects were studied in male mice, using formalin and hot plate tests. The effect of intraperitoneal hydro-alcoholic extracts of L. officinalis (100, 200, 250, 300, 400 and 800 mg/kg), subcutaneous morphine (10 mg/kg), dexamethasone (10 mg/kg; i.p.) and indomethacin (10 mg/kg; i.p.) on formalin induced pain were studied. Our results indicated that administration of the extract (100, 200, 250, 300, 400 and 800 mg/kg; i.p.) has inhibitory effects on inflammation induced by formalin injection into the animals hind paw. Moreover, this inhibitory effect was equal to the effects of morphine, dexamethasone and indomethacin. The extract in100, 200 and 300 mg/kg; significantly reduced heat-induced pain. The extract also reduced COX activity in dose dependent manner, where the inhibitory effect on COX1 activity was 33% and on COX2 activity was 45%. Here for the first time we show that L. officinialis extract can modulate pain and inflammation induced by formalin by inhibition of COX enzymes.