Determination of Pb and cd in garlic herb [allium sativum] planted in gilan and khuzestan provinces using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Foods are enriched with variety of chemical elements. Some of these elements are necessary for human health. These elements enter in liquid, the cells and other organs, certain amount of these elements are essential for body organs to work properly. This research was conducted to compare the level of lead and cadmium contamination in garlic species planted in Ramhormoz and Rasht and discuss about the source of this contaminations. Twenty composite samples were collected from each province, Khozestan [Ramhormoz] and Gilan [Rasht]. Each sample was burned according to instruction reported in AOAC. Then the white residue was dissolved in diluted nitric acid then the Pb and Cd contents were determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer at 217 and 228.8 nm, respectively. No Pb level was detected in garlic cultured in both cities. The mean concentration of cadmium was 0.40 and 0.58 mg/kg in garlics planted in Ramhormoz and Rasht, respectively. Statistical analysis showed significant difference between mean concentration of cadmium in Rasht garlic and the permitted value [P < 0.00l]. The cadmium level in Rasht garlic is much higher than the standard level. In order to test the reliability of the data obtained using this method, randomly selected samples were spiked with Pb and Cd standard solutions. The cadmium and lead recovery were reported 93.93 and 90.18 percent

Evaluation of the effect of green tea extract on mouth bacterial activity in the presence of propylene glycol

Compounds present in green tea have proved to inhibit the growth and activity of bacteria associated with infections. To assess the effects of green tea leaves extract in presence of propylene gly-col on the aerobic mouth bacteria load. Saliva of 25 volunteer girl students aging 20-25 years were selected and evaluated by a mouth wash sample containing 1% tannin, as the most effective antibacterial complex in green tea. Comparative studies were also conducted between green tea mouthwashes containing 1% tannin and a similar sample with 10% propylene glycol added during extraction. This comparison was applied for a chlorhexidine 0.2% sample as a chemical mouthwash brand, too. There was a meaningful difference between the green tea mouthwashes containing 10% propylene glycol and the simple green tea extract [P < 0.05]. Significant difference was also seen between the herbal and chemical mouthwashes [P < 0.05]. The extract 1% tannin containing 10% propylene glycol reduced the aerobic mouth bacterial load of the student salvia about 64 percent. The pH monotonousness in different days and temperatures approved the stability of tannin in liquid water medium. Using green tea extract as a herbal mouthwash is safe and harmless specially for children and pregnant women. This result led us to suppose that green tea may prevent plaque formation on teeth, coming over halitosis due to mouth infection, too. These effects need to be approved in an in vivo trial as a second study

Hepatoprotectjve effect of morus alba L. in carbon tetrachloride- induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Many studies have been performed to prevent liver toxicity in animal models. It is well known that herbal medicines play an important role in therapy. The crude hydroalcoholic extract of Morus alba L. leaves was evaluated for hepatoprotection against hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride. The hydroalcoholic extract was prepared by maceration technique. Animals were weighed and divided into five groups of seven mice. Group one received carbon tetrachloride [positive group]. Group two received only olive oil [solvent of CCL[4] as negative group]. Groups three [A1], four [A2], and five [A3] received crude extract in doses of 200, 400, and 800mg/kg, respectively and one hour later carbon tetrachloride in doses of 0.2ml/kg for five consecutive days [test groups]. All administrations were made by p.o. in 0.2ml volume. Then on the day six animals received sodium hexabarbital in doses of 25mg/kg i.p. to determine the sleeping time. After sleep time determination animals were sacrificed and from the jugular vein, blood was taken. Serum was obtained for determination of aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT] enzymes levels. Livers were removed and kept in 10% formalin bufferd solution for histopathological examinations. The hydroalcoholic extract at dose of 800mg/kg exhibited a significant liver protective effect by lowering the serum levels of AST and ALT, decreasing the sleeping time and resulting in less pronouced destruction of the liver architecture, there was no fibrosis and inflammation, as compared with CCI[4] group [p<0.05]

Characterization of an anti-dermatophyte cream from Zataria multiflora boiss

Throughout the world, there has been an increasing incidence of fungal infections, drug resistance and toxicity associated with long-term treatment with antifungal drugs has led to a search for new drugs to treat fungal infections. As the use of herbal medicine increases, many health care providers are attempting to increase their level of knowledge and access to reliable resources regarding the safety and efficacy of herbs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties and stability of creams containing different concentrations of Zataria multiflora extract as anti-dermatophyte preparations. First the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration [MIC] of methanolic aerial parts' extract of Zataria multiflora was assayed against various dermatophytes by in vitro tube dilution technique [MIC = 0.5%]. To select the best cream formulation, one general formula of cleansing cream was considered and then corrected. The best base formula was chosen according to its monotonousness, straightness and external attractiveness. Formulations containing 1, 2 and 3% of plant extracts were prepared. Finally, cream containing 10% bees wax, 58.8% liquid paraffin, 1.2% hard paraffin, 5% spermaceti, 1% borax, 1.4% tween 80, 0.15 methyl paraben, 0.15 lactic acid, 0.05% propyl paraben, 2% Zataria extract and water q.s. to 100 was chosen as the best formulation. The final product was a W/O cream with suitable appearance and desirable physicochemical stability

Hepatoprotective activity of capparis spinosa root bark against CC1[4] induced hepatic damage in mice

Many hepatoprotective herbal preparations have been recommended in alternative systems of medicine for the treatment of hepatic disorders. No systematic study has been done on protective efficacy of Capparis spinosa [Capparidaceae] to treat hepaticjdiseases. Protective action of C. spinosa ethanolic root bark extract was evaluated by this study in an animal model of hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride. Healthy male mice [30-35 g body weight, 6-8 weeks old] were divided into 7 groups. Group 1 was normal control group; Group 2, the hepatotoxic group was given CCL[4]; Group 3 was administered olive oil [vehicle]; Groups 4-6 received different doses of ethanolic root bark extract [100. 200 and 400 mg/kg] with CCL[4]; Group 7 was administered overdose of extract [800 mg/kg]. The parameters studied were alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase activities and duration of sleep. The hepatoprotective activity was also supported by histopathological studies of liver tissue. Results of the biochemical studies of blood samples of CCL[4] treated animals showed significant increase in the levels of serum enzyme activities reflecting the liver injury caused by CCL[4]. Whereas blood samples from the animals treated with ethanolic root bark extracts showed significant decrease in the levels of serum markers indicating the protection of hepatic cells. The results revealed that ethanolic root bark extract of C. spinosa could afford significant dose-dependent protection against CCL[4] induced hepatocellular injury

Formulation of herbal shampoo using total saponins of Acanthophyllum squarrosum

Shampoos are products which remove surface grease and dirt from the hair shaft and scalp. The cleansing or detergent action of a shampoo is a primary function. However, foaming characteristic of a shampoo has an important role in its acceptability. Often alkanolamides have been used for accessed stable foam; but because of producing nitrosamines, they are potentially carcinogenic compounds. So, the main goal of this research was elimination of these materials from shampoo formula. A. squarrosum is one of the 23 species of the genus Acanthophyllum endemic in Iran. Due to the presence of saponin in its root, chubak, has been used traditionally as a detergent. In this study, total saponin of Acanthophyllum squarrosum roots was extracted using several solvents. A clear liquid shampoo base was formulated using Texapon as surfactant, sodium chloride as thickener, glycerin as hair conditioner, methyl paraben as preservative and EDTA as sequestering agent. Then, a definite amount of Texapon was substituted by 1, 2.5 and 5 percent of total herbal saponin. The evaluation of foaming ability by Ross-Miles method and cleansing power by Thompson test showed the best result with the formula containing 20% Texapon and 5% total herbal saponin. So it was selected as the best formula and evaluated for other characteristics. In addition to possessing the properties of a liquid shampoo, the unique characteristics of the formula containing 5% total herbal saponin produced stable foam without using foam stabilizers. Evaluation of cleansing power by Thompson test, determined that final formula is a shampoo for normal hair with very good cleansing ability. Rheological studies showed that final formula had pseudoplastic behaviour, Organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics of final formula were in the acceptable range

comparative study ofessential oils composition of three varieties of mentha longifolia[L.] huds. growing in Iran

The essential oils of three wild varieties of Mentha longifolia [L.] Huds. growing in distinct geographic areas of Iran [var. petiolata, var. kotschyana and var. chlorodictya], obtained by hydrodistillation, were studied. The results of quantitative and qualitative analysis by means of GC/MS, have shown that the essential oils of two varieties [var. chlorodictya and var. kotschyana]were characterized by the high concentration of piperitone oxide and piperitenone oxide, whereas the third one [var. petiolata]was rich in pulegone. Mentha chlorodictya has the higher amount of essential oil [2.6% v/w], the yield of Mentha petiolata and Mentha kotschyana was 2.1 and 1.3 v/w, respectively

comparative study of essential oils composition of three varieties of Mentha longifolia [L.] Huds., growing in Iran

The essential oils of three wild varieties of Mentha longifolia [L.] Huds. growing in distinct geographic area of Iran [var. petiolata, var. kotschyana and var. chlorodictya], obtained by hydrodistillation, were studied. The results of quantitative and qualitative analysis by means of GC/MS, have shown that the essential oils of two varieties [var. chlorodictya and var. kotschyana] were characterized by the high concentration of piperitone oxide and piperitenone oxide, whereas the third one [var. petiolata] was rich in pulegone. Mentha chlorodictya has the higher amount of essential oil [2.6% v/w], the yield of Mentha petiolata and Mentha kotschyana was 2.1 and 1.3% v/w, respectively

Comparison between the essential oil and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of mentha piperita L. cultivated in Iran

The chemical compositions of the essential oils and the volatile concentrate of Mentha piperita L. [Labiatae] obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction [SFE] at 35°C and 100 atm were compared using GC/MS. Whereas twenty four components were identified in the essential oil, only seven compounds, including the main compounds of the peppermint oil were isolated by the SFE. The percent of major components of the oil and the extract were: Menthol [31.53 and 48.39], Menthone [23.37 and 26.68] and Isomenthone [11.11 and 6.58], respectively. From these results it may concluded that the SFE method supply a selective essential oil extract

Chemical and biological study of essential oil of Ferulago macrocarpa [Fenzi] Boiss

The constituents of essential oil of Ferulago macrocarpa were studied by GC and CC-Mass. The major components were bornyl acetate [45.6%] and borneol [17.26%]. The essential oil presents interesting activity against the larvae of Culex pipiens and Anopheles stephensi. LD[50] of essential oil of Ferulago macrocarpa on larvae showed that Culex were more sensible