Effect of shading and nitrogen fertilization on nitrogen metabolism, essential oil content and antimicrobial activity of Achillea millefolium

The Achillea millefolium L. is a perennial herb with important antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, and antioxidant properties. This research aimed to investigate the effect of shading (75%; black net) and nitrogen fertilization (0, 75 and 150 kg urea ha-1) on the nitrogen metabolism, essential oil yield and antimicrobial activity of A.millefolium at vegetative- and reproductive-stage. The evaluated parameters varied depending on the organ and the phenological stage of the plant considered. Overall, our findings indicated that shading decreased nitrogen assimilation. Decreased activities of nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase were observed on shaded plants during reproductive and vegetative stages, respectively. Nitrate and total amino acid levels increased in shaded plants at the vegetative stage. Regarding nitrogen supply, the improved nitrogen metabolism and essential oil yield values were accompanied by intermediate concentrations of urea (75 kg ha-1). Plants fertilized with 75 kg urea ha-1 produced the highest amino acids concentration (vegetative stage), ammonium concentration (vegetative stage) and essential oil yield (reproductive stage). Shading or nitrogen supply did not influence the microbial activity of A. millefolium essential oil.However, the essential oil of leaves and flowers were highly effective against fungi and bacteria, especially gram-positive bacteria. In conclusion, the current study showed that full light and 75 kg urea ha-1 enhanced the nitrogen metabolism of A. millefolium in both vegetative and reproductive stages.

Plant elicitation with salicylic acid increases bioactive compounds content and antioxidant activity in the infusion of Achillea millefolium L / Elicitação de plantas de achillea millefolium l. com ácido salicílico aumenta o teor de compostos ativos e a atividade antioxidante da infusão

This study evaluated the total polyphenols content and the antioxidant activity of the infusion prepared with leaves from Achillea millefolium L. plants treated with salicylic acid (SA). Field cultivated plants received SA foliar applications (T1: control; T2: 1.0 mmol L-1 applications at 20, 60 and 100 days after planting - DAP and T3: 1.0 mmol L-1 applications at 100 DAP during three days). The infusions from SA treated plants showed higher levels of total polyphenols and flavonoids compared to the control one. T2 and T3 infusions showed increases in the antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests. However, only T2 treated plants had higher antioxidant activity by inhibition of lipid peroxidation (TBARS). It was concluded that elicitation of A. millefolium plants with SA can be considered an adequate strategy to increase the production of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity of infusions.

Este estudo avaliou o teor total de polifenóis e a atividade antioxidante da infusão preparada com folhas de plantas de Achillea millefolium L. tratadas com ácido salicílico (AS). As plantas cultivadas em campo receberam aplicações foliares de AS (T1 ­ controle; T2 - aplicação de 1,0 mmol L-1aos 20, 60 e 100 dias após o plantio (DAP) e T3 ­ aplicações de 1,0 mmol L-1 aos 100 DAP durante três dias consecutivos). As infusões de plantas tratadas com AS apresentaram níveis mais elevados de polifenóis totais e flavonóides em comparação ao controle. As infusões T2 e T3 mostraram aumentos na atividade antioxidante por meio de testes de 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH), óxido nítrico (NO) e poder antioxidante de redução férrica (FRAP). No entanto, apenas plantas do tratamento T2 apresentaram maior atividade antioxidante por inibição da peroxidação lipídica (TBARS). Concluiu-se que a elicitação de plantas de A. millefolium com AS pode ser considerada uma estratégia adequada para aumentar a produção de compostos bioativos e a capacidade antioxidante das infusões.

Study on chemical constituents of Achillea alpina / 中国中药杂志

Twelve compounds were isolated from the aerial parts of Achillea alpina by column chromatographies on silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative HPLC. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis. The compounds were identified as pellitorine(1), 8,9-dehydropellitorine(2), (E,E)-2,4-undecadien-8, 10-diynoic acid isobutylamide(3), (E,E)-2,4-tetradecadien-8,10-diynoic acid isobutylamide(4),sintenin(5), 4',5,7,8-tetramethoxyflavone(6), chrysoplenetin(7), formononetin(8), aurantiamide(9), asperglaucide(10), artemetin(11), and eupatorin(12). compounds 1-5 were isolated from this plant for the first time, and compounds 6-10 were isolated from the genus Achillea for the first time.

Fitodefensivos em plantas medicinais: macromoléculas hidrofílicas de folhas de mil folhas (Achillea millefolium L. ) inibem o crescimento in vitro de bactérias fitopatogênicas / Agrochemicals in medicinal plants: hydrophilic macromolecules from leaves of "mil folhas" (Achillea millefolium L. ) inhibit in vitro growth of phytopathogenic bacteria

Extratos aquosos da planta medicinal Achillea millefolium contêm macromoléculas de interesse para desenvolver fitodefensivos para a agricultura. Duas frações de mil folhas foram obtidas por ultrafiltração, E1 (contendo moléculas maiores que 30 kDa), e E3 (peptídeos entre 1 e 10 kDa) que inibiram o crescimento das bactérias fitopatogênicas Ralstonia solanacearum, gram-negativa, e Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, gram-positiva, com dependência de concentração. Os valores de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) para ambos os extratos e bactérias foram baixos, entre 20 e 80µM. A CIM relativa à proteína total evidenciou a presença de macromoléculas muito ativas em E3, embora com baixa concentração proteica. E3 se aplica à prospecção de peptídeos antimicrobianos. Estimar a CIM relativa à quantidade de amostra vegetal valorizou o potencial antimicrobiano natural de E1, que contém alta concentração proteica. E1e E3 se aplicam ao desenvolvimento de fitodefensivos para uso biotecnológico. A ultrafiltração fracionou as amostras de forma nativa, rápida, e com baixo custo; além de dessalinizar, clarificar, purificar, e concentrar E1 e E3. Esse estudo inédito sobre a separômica e a ação antimicrobiana de extratos macromoleculares aquosos de mil folhas sugere que plantas cicatrizantes podem apresentar grande potencial para desenvolver fitodefensivos agrícolas naturais não danosos, à semelhança de medicamentos fitoterápicos.

Aqueous extracts from the medicinal plant Achillea millefolium contain macromolecules of interest to develop agrochemicals for agriculture. Two fractions of "mil folhas" were obtained by ultrafiltration, E1 (containing molecules larger than 30 kDa) and E3 (peptides between 1 and 10 kDa), which inhibited the growth of phytopathogenic bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum, gram-negative, and Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, gram-positive, concentration-dependent. The values of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for both extracts and both bacteria were low, ranging from 20 to 80µM. The MIC relative to total protein evidenced the presence of very active macromolecules in E3, although showing low protein concentration. E3 applies to the prospection of antimicrobial peptides. The estimated MIC relative to the amount of plant sample valued the natural antimicrobial potential of E1, which contains high protein concentration. E1 and E3 can be used in the development of agrochemicals for biotechnological purposes. The ultrafiltration procedure fractionated the samples in a rapid and native way and at a low cost; it also desalted, clarified, concentrated and purified both E1 and E3. This pioneering study on the separomics and on the antimicrobial activity of macromolecular aqueous extracts from "mil folhas" suggests that healing plants have great potential to develop non-harmful agricultural natural agrochemicals, similarly to the available phytotherapic drugs.

Radiolabeling of methanol extracts of yarrow (Achillea millefolium l) in rats / Radiomarcação do extrato metanólico de yarrow (Achillea millefolium l) em ratos

PURPOSE: Current study is focused on extraction with methanol, purification, labeling with 131I using iodogen method of the yarrow plant and investigating in vivo biological activity using biodistribution and imaging studies on healthy animal models. The aim of the study is to contribute plant extracts to discover new drugs in the diagnosis and treatment of several diseases. METHODS: Nine female and nine male healthy Wistar albino rats, which were approximately 100-150 g in weight, were used for biodistribution studies. For imaging studies four healthy male Balb-C mice were used. Quality control studies were done utilizing thin layer radio chromatography (TLRC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. For biodistribution studies, 131I radiolabeled Peak 7 (131I-Peak 7) was sterilized and injected into the tail veil of rats and imaging studies were obtained using Kodak FX PRO in vivo Imaging System. RESULTS: The radiolabeling yield of each purified the bioactive extracts of the yarrow plant, seven peaks was between 79 and 92%. The highest radiolabeling yield was calculated for 131I radiolabeled seventh peak (131I-Peak 7) (92.78±5.04, n=5). For this reason the biodistribution and imaging studies were done for 131I-Peak 7. That's why; these studies with Peak 7 were carried out. CONCLUSION: Peak 7 was radiolabeled with 131I in high yield for using imaging and therapeutic studies in nuclear medical applications.

OBJETIVO: O atual estudo tem por objetivo a extração com metanol, purificação, marcação com I131 usando o método direto de marcação da planta Achillea, para investigar in vivo a atividade biológica usando biodistribuição e estudos de imagem em modelos animais saudáveis. O objetivo do estudo é contribuir com extratos de plantas para descobrir novas drogas para o diagnóstico e tratamento de várias doenças. MÉTODOS: Nove fêmeas e nove machos ratos Wistar albino saudáveis, com aproximadamente 100 a 150g de peso foram usados para estudos de biodistribuição. Para estudos de imagem, quatro camundongos Balb-C machos e saudáveis foram usados. Estudos de controle de qualidade foram realizados usando métodos de cromatografia de camada fina e cromatografia líquida de alta performance. Para estudos de biodistribuição, pico 5 radiografado com I131 (I131-Peak 7) foi esterilizado e injetado na veia da cauda dos ratos e estudos de imagem foram obtidos usando Sistema de Imagem Kodak FX PRO in vivo. RESULTADOS: O retorno radiomarcado de cada extrato bioativo purificado da planta Achillea sete picos estavam entre 79 e 92%. O retorno com maior marcação foi calculado para I131 sétimo pico (I131-Peak 7) (92,78±5,04, n=5). Por esta razão os estudos de biodistribuição e de imagem foram feitos para I131-Peak 7. CONCLUSÃO: Peak 7 foi radiomarcado com I131 em alto retorno para uso em estudos terapêuticos e de imagens nas aplicações médicas nucleares.

[ effect of four medicinal plants on performance and concentration of serum lipids in broiler chicks]

The usage of "growth promoter" antibiotics has been banned recently. This is due to the possibility of bacterial resistance and the risk of transferring to consumers. Herbs with antimicrobial and hypolipidemic properties can suggest as proper alternatives for antibiotic. Comparative investigation of growth promoting effect of four medicinal plants [Cuminum L., Mentha piperita L., Achillea L., Teucrium Polium L.] on performance and concentration of serum lipids of broiler. Total 280 day-old male Ross broiler chicks were used in a CRD design with 5 treatments, and 4 replicates and 56 birds per each treatment. Cuminum, Mentha piperita, Achillea and Teucrium Polium was added to diets in levels of 1.5, 0.3, 0.2 and 0.2 percent, respectively. A treatment without any additive was considered as control group. Feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were recorded weekly. Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL and HDL were measured at 35 days of age. Among the medicinal plants that used in this study, inclusion Mentha piperita in finisher diets increased feed intake [2196.4 g] and weight gain [1005.3 g], significantly [p < 0.05]. At total rearing period, addition of Teucrium Polium to diets decreased weight gain [1821.3 g] of chicks compared to control [1963.7 g], decreased total cholesterol [151.33 mg/dl] and LDL [29.06 mg/dl]; but it increased HDL [120.16 mg/dl] of serum [p < 0.05]. The results of this experiment suggest that Mentha piperita L., in diet, improves broiler performance compared to control and it can be used as growth promoter in broiler nutrition

[Study of antibacterial effects of hydro - alcoholic extract of 8 medicinal herbs against vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus]

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the leading bacterial species causing infection in human. This species is or becoming resistant to many antibiotics, including vancomycin. As vancomycin is one of the antibiotics used as a last resort for the treatment of the infections caused by S. aureus, therefore identification and application of new effective antibacterial compounds is of utmost importance. In this study, the anti VRSA effects of the hydro alcoholic extracts of 8 Iranian medicinal plants including bulb of Allium ascalonicum, Allium sativum, leave of Utica dioica, Falcaria vulgari, Achillea millefolium and Trigonella foenum and seeds of Trigonella foenum and Brassica alba were surveyed. The effects were studied using disk diffusion method and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration was determined using micro dilution broth methods against 15 VRSA strains. Among the extracts, the most effective was Allium ascalonicum bulb: MIC 50: 128 micro g/ml and Achillea millefolium had the least effect: MIC 50: 1000 micro g/ml. As VRSA strains are widespread in the world and treatment of the causative infections is becoming a major problem in medicine, these results, especially results of anti VRSA effects of Allium ascalonicum bulb extract, might be very helpful but clinical application of these extracts and identification of the fractions need further study

Efeito de extrato bruto e óleo essencial de Achillea millefolium em desenvolvimento in vitro de Corynespora cassiicola e proteção de pepino à mancha de corinespora / Effect of crude extract and essential oil of Achillea millefolium L. on the in vitro development of Corynespora cassiicola and protection of cucumber against corinespora leaf spot

Medidas de controle de doenças por meio do uso de extratos e óleos essenciais vêm sendo investigadas como alternativa aos fungicidas convencionais. Este trabalho objetivou estudar o efeito antimicrobiano de extratos brutos aquosos e óleo essencial de Achillea millefolium no crescimento micelial (CM), na esporulação e na germinação de conídios de Corynespora cassiicola bem como a atividade de peroxidase em plantas de pepino. Para isto, o extrato bruto aquoso (EBA) (1; 5; 10; 20 e 25%) foi incorporado ao meio de cultura BDA (batata-dextrose-ágar) e o óleo essencial (OE) (20, 40, 60, 100 e 200 mL) foi distribuído sobre a superfície do meio de cultura. Disco de micélio foi repicado para os diferentes meios e o crescimento micelial avaliado, diariamente, por 7 dias. Para os ensaios in vivo, plantas de pepino foram pulverizadas com EBAs nas concentrações 1, 10 e 25%, Saccharomyces cereviseae 20% e água, aos quatro e dois dias antes e concomitantemente à inoculação com C. cassiicola. Foi avaliada a severidade da doença e a atividade da enzima peroxidase. Para EBA, não houve inibição do crescimento micelial, da germinação e da esporulação em todas as concentrações testadas. Entretanto, nos tratamentos com OE, houve inibição de até 63% do crescimento micelial. Na esporulação e germinação, a inibição foi de 100% e 98%, respectivamente, na alíquota de 200 ?L para OE. No controle da doença, o tratamento mais efetivo foi EBA a 25% quando realizado concomitante à inoculação. No intervalo de tempo avaliado, não se constatou atividade da enzima peroxidase.

The control of diseases by using crude extracts (CE) and essential oils (EO) are being investigated as an alternative to conventional fungicides. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of aqueous extracts and essential oil of Achillea millefolium on mycelial growth, sporolution and spores germination of Corynespora cassiicola, as well as peroxidase activity in cucumber plants. For this, crude extract (1; 5; 10; 20 and 25%) was incorporated into potato dextrose agar medium (PDA), and essential oil (20, 40, 60, 100 and 200 mL) was distributed over the surface of the PDA. The mycelial growth was measured daily for 7 days. In the in vivo test, cucumber plants were sprayed with crude extracts at concentrations 1; 10 and 25%, and Saccharomyces cereviseae 20% (control), 4 and 2 days before and the same time as inoculation with C. cassiicola. The severity of disease and peroxidase activity were evaluated. For crude extract, neither mycelial growth nor spore germination and sporulation was inhibited at any of the tested concentrations. In the treatments with essential oil there was inhibition up to 63% of the mycelial growth. In the sporulation and spores germination the inhibition was 100% and 98%, respectively, for 200uL of EO. In the control of the disease the mosteffective treatment was the crude extract 25% when carried out at the same time as the inoculation. In the evaluated period, no peroxidase activity was found.

Fungitoxidade in vitro de extratos vegetais sobre Exserohilum turcicum (Pass) Leonard & Suggs / In vitro fungitoxicity of plant extracts on Exserohilum turcicum (Pass) Leonard & Suggs

A helmintosporiose, causada pelo fungo Exserohilum turcicum, é uma das principais doenças do milho-pipoca cultivado no Brasil. Devido às características da cultura, como porte da planta, extensão da área de plantio e rentabilidade econômica, o emprego de resistência genética e controle químico têm sido as principais formas de controle da doença. O emprego de agrotóxicos na agricultura tem levado riscos à saúde humana e freqüentes danos ao meio ambiente. Assim, na busca de métodos alternativos para o controle da helmintosporiose foi avaliado o efeito fungitóxico dos extratos vegetais das plantas Achillea milefollium (mil-folhas), Cymbopogon citratus (capim-limão), Artemisia camphorata (cânfora) e Rosmarinus officinalis (alecrim) no crescimento micelial de E. turcicum, em dois meios de cultura (BDA - batata-dextrose-ágar; e LCH - lactose caseína hidrolisada). Os extratos de alecrim e cânfora foram os que apresentaram maior inibição do crescimento micelial nos dois meios de cultura, enquanto que os extratos de mil-folhas e capim limão estimularam o crescimento micelial em meio LCH.

Helminthosporiose is caused by the fungus Exserohilum turcicum and represents one of the main diseases in popcorn grown in Brazil. Due to its characteristics, such as plant size, planting area extension and economic profitability, the use of genetic resistance and chemical control has constituted the main procedure against such disease. The use of pesticides in agriculture has resulted in risks to the human health and frequent damages to the environment. Thus, the fungitoxic effect of plant extracts of Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass), Artemisia camphorata (camphor) and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) on the mycelial growth of E. turcicum was evaluated by using two culture media (PDA - potato dextrose agar, and LCH - lactose-casein hydrolysate) in order to set alternative methods for controlling helminthosporiose. Rosemary and camphor extracts led to higher mycelial growth inhibition in both culture media, whereas yarrow and lemon grass extracts stimulated mycelial growth in LCH medium.

[ antioxidant activities and total phenolic of Artemisia Martima, Achillea Millefolium and Matricaria Recutica]

Consumption of plant derived antioxidant contributes to reducing risks of certain chronic and degenerative diseases. The aim of the present study was to study the antioxidant activities and total phenolic of Artemisia Martima, Achillea Millefolium and Matricaria Recutica. The present study was conducted at Yasuj University of Medical Sciences in 2009. The stem and flower sample of plants were air-dried, and then grinded and were finally extracted by ethanol: water [70: 30] for 48 h in room temperature. Extracts were filtered and dried under vacuum system. The antioxidant activity of three ethanol extract of the medicinal plants, Artemisia martima, Achillea millefolium and Matricaria recutica, were analyzed by five different methods; [1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] radical, 2, 20 azinobis- [3-ethylbenzthiazoline -6-sulphonic acid [ABTS] radical cation,Ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay [FRAP], phosphomolybdenum [PMB] and reducing power [RP]. In addition, for determination of antioxidant components, the total phenolic content was also analyzed. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS software. For all antioxidant activity assays, Artemisia martima had the highest antioxidant activity value and also total phenol content. Antioxidant capacity analyses revealed that the FRAP and DPPH had comparable results. Antioxidant activity at 1 mg/mL, in ABTS were in the order Artemisia martima> Achillea millefolium> Matricaria recutica. Similar trend was observed for PMB content. RP, FRAP and DPPH were in the order Artemisia martima> Matricaria recutica > Achillea millefolium. The extracts showed a variety of antioxidant activities in all antioxidant assay system. This study demonstrated that Artemisia martima crude extract exhibit significant antioxidant activity

[Chemical screening and antioxidant activities of many medicinal plants used in the common medicine in Syria]

The plant materials [24 plants] were collected, dried and grounded. The grounded materials were extracted by ethanol 80% and evaporated. The alkaloid content was investigated in the plants, extracts. The following extracts showed the presence of alkaloids: the aerial parts of Acanthus syriacus L. [Acanthaceae], the aerial parts of Anagalis arvensis L. [Primulaceae], the seeds of Lathyrus sativus L. [Lathyraceae], aerial and underground parts of Anabasis aphilla L, [Chenopodiaceae], and the aerial part of Spincia oleracea L., [Chenopodiaceae]. To investigate the presence of phenolic compounds the extracts were treated with alkali [alkali medium]. The phenolic compounds were to be noticed in the aerial parts of the following plants: Achillea millefolium L. [Compositae], Lavandula stoecha L. [Lamiaceae], Centauria centaurium L. [Compositae], and Ruta graveolens L. [Rutaceae]. The phenolic content and the antioxidant activities of the dried alcoholic extracts [80% ethanol] and the aqueous extracts were determined. The following alcoholic extracts showed a good antioxidant activity: The aerial parts of Sanguisorba officinalis L. [Rosaceae], the aerial parts of Alhagi maurorum Med. [Leguminosae], the aerial parts of Acanthus syriacus L., [Acanthaceae], the aerial parts of Posopis stephanina [Leguminosae], the roots of Ferula harmonii Boiss.[Umbelliferae], the aerial and underground parts of Spincia oleraceae [Chenopodiaceae]

[Comparision effectivness of extracts of thyme, yarrow, henna and garlic on cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by l. major in animal model [BALB/C]]

Leishmaniasis is not as severe as other diseases, often lesions are selfhealing. For various reason as long lasting duration of lesions and treatment, disfiguring scar reminding, secondary infection in lesions, have comfortable treatment method and accessible with less cost, it is necessary various method of treatment with less side effect. The results of previous studies showed that Indoleanalogues, Terpens, Iridoids, Quinones and Alkaloid hemisynthetic derivatives have promising antileishmanial potential. These derivatives were found in Thyme, Henna Yarrow and Garlic. Access to formulation drug without harmful chemical material and without side effect. After Inoculation of parasite in base tail of mice, during of three weeks caused lesions in inoculation place, then animal divided to 9 groups. In this study we used 4 alchoholic extract solution 2 times a day. we checked lesions weekly for six week and meseaured size of lesion in the base of tail with kulis - vernieh. Data of study analyzed with Anova, Paired t test and schefeh. We observed significant difference between mean of lesion in before and after treatment in control, Yarrow [Bomadaran] and Thyme [Avishan] groups [p<0.05]. Paired t test showed that there were not significant difference between mean of lesion in after treatment between groups of treatment and glucantime groups [p>0.05]. Alchoholic extract to Avishan and Boomadaran have good effect on lesions treatment, we suggest that the study could be repeated with Thyme [Avishan] and Yarrow [Bomadaran] extract in gel or cream base in first stage of lesions appearance

[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

Comparison of Thymus vulgaris (Thyme), Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) and propolis hydroalcoholic extracts versus systemic glucantime in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in balb/c mice.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by sand flies. Many investigations are performed to find an effective and safe treatment for leishmaniasis. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of herbal extracts of Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) and Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), propolis hydroalcoholic extract and systemic glucantime against cutaneous leishmaniasis in Balb/c mice. METHODS: A total of 45 mice were randomised into five groups each including nine mice. They were treated with pure ethanol 70 degrees, systemic glucantime, Achillea millefolium hydroalcoholic extract, Thymus vulgaris hydroalcoholic extract and propolis hydroalcoholic extract for six weeks. The statistical tests including student t-test were used for analysis. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, ver 13.00. RESULTS: Mean of ulcer size reduction were -17.66, -22.57, 43.29, 36.09 and 43.77% for the alcohol, glucantime, yarrow, thyme and propolis groups, respectively. The results were suggestive that Thymus vulgaris, Achillea millefolium and propolis hydroalcoholic extracts were significantly more effective in reduction of ulcer size as compared with glucantime (p = 0.006, 0.002 and 0.008, respectively). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Our results are suggestive that Thymus vulgaris, Achillea millefolium and propolis extracts are effective for treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in mice. Regarding these results, we suggest that efficacy of these extracts alone or in combination are evaluated against human cutaneous leishmaniasis as a randomized clinical trial.

Evaluation of antibacterial activities of some medicinal plants from north-West Iran

Aim of the present study was to screen the antibacterial activities of some medicinal plants extracts traditionally used in Azarbaijan area [Iran]. Thirty-six extracts obtained from different parts of ten plants including Tanacetum balsam ita L. [Copmositae], Muscari caucasicum Baker [Hyacinthaceae], Equisetum arvense L. [Equisetaceae], Achillea millefollum L. [Copmositae], Stachys fruticulosa M. Bieb. [Labiatae], Stachys schtschegleevii Sons. ex, Grossh. [Labiatae], Salvia sahendica Boiss and Buhse [Labiatae], Phlomis caucasica Rech. f. [Labiatae], Etchium italicum L. [Boraginaceae] and Thalictrum minus L. [Ranunculaceae] from north-west Iran with traditional medicinal use were examined for their antibacterial activities against some Gram-negative strains such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella paratyphi and Serratia marcescens, also, Gram-positive strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Staph. epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Bacillus cereus. The filter paper disc diffusion method as well as broth serial dilution technique were applied to screen the antibacterial efficacy of the extracts and determination of minimum inhibitory values. Results indicated that the majority of tested plant extracts had antibacterial activity at least against one of the selected bacteria, with the exception of Muscari caucasicum. Methanol extract of the aerial part of Thalictrum minus L. [Ranunculaceae] showed the most potent antibacterial activity against Staph. Aureus with MIC value of 0.3125 mg/ml. The results of this study show that most of the studied plants are potentially a good source of antimicrobial agents and support the traditional applications of some of the tested plants

[Comparative study of allergenicity of mature and immature pollen grains of Achillea wilhelmsii]

Pollen grains are male gametophytes of flowering plants that with self interference in fertilization have an important role in plant fertilization, increasing fertilization and improving quality of products. Pollen grains are of important allergenic plants and 80-90% of allergens have plant origin. Achillea plant has medical usage and grows in different regions of the country. This research is done in order to acquire scientific information pertaining to pollen grains allergenicity in their development stages and comparing mature and immature pollen grains allergenicity. In this experimental study Achillea plant pollen grains in different developmental stages were collected around Isfahan city and samples were studied using light and electronic microscopy [SEM]. Pollen extracts were prepared by incubating pollen grains in phosphate buffered saline, PH: 7.4. The allergenicity experiment was done on male Guinea pigs [Hartley strain, 350-500g weight, 4-6 week-old, Pausteur institute of Iran] and electrophoresis of proteins was done on 12% SDS- polyacrylamide gel. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA and Duncan test. Images of light and electronic microscopy showed pollens from ellipse-spherical type, with two colpate and echinate exine. The skin tests in Guinea pigs treated with pollen extracts indicated wheal with diameter larger than control group. In clinical tests, the numbers of eosinophils, neutrophils and IgE were increased in animals treated with pollen extract comparing control group. In SDS- PAGE protein profiles, 6 richly colored protein bands were seen in mature pollens in 14.4 to 66 KD and 5 slightly colored protein bands in immature pollens in 14.4 to 45 KD. This research shows changes of immature pollens' ellipse morphology to spherical form in mature pollens, partial increasing in accumulation and height of exine surface echins, changes in quality and quantity of immature and mature pollen grains and difference in their allergenic severity

Comparação da atividade antimicrobiana entre os sabonetes contendo digluconato de clorexidine, triclosan e óleo essencial de achillea milefollium L (asteraceae) / Comparision of the antimicrobial activity of soap containing clorhexidine digluconate, triclosan, and the essential oil of the achillea millefolium achillea millefolium L (asteraceae)

Amostras de sabonete contendo, como agentes antissépticos, triclosan, na concentração de 1,0%; digluconato de clorexidine a 2,0%; óleo essencial de Achillea millefolium nas concentrações de 1,0% e 2,0%, foram avaliadas quanto à atividade antimicrobiana frente aos microorganismos S. aureaus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa e C. albicans pela técnica de Pour Plate. Os resultados demonstraram um poder inibitório total do triclosan frente aos microorganismos testados e observou-se poder inibitório superior do óleo essencial de achillea millefolium na concentração de 2,0% em relação ao sabonete de digluconato de clorexidine, muito utilizado em ambientes hospitalares.

Soap samples containing antiseptics agents such as 1%-triclosan, 2%-clorexidine digluconato, and 1-2% essential oil of Achillea millefolium was assessed according to its antimicrobial activity against Sthaphylococus aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C.albicans by the Pour Plate technique. The results demonstrated a total inhibition of the triclosan to the tested microorganisms and a superiorinhibition of the essential oil of Achillea millefolium was observed at the concentration of 2% in relation to the clorhexidine digluconate soap, very used in hospital atmospheres.

Análise farmacognóstica e atividade antibacteriana de extratos vegetais empregados em formulação para a higiene bucal / Herbal extracts in an experimental mouthwash: pharmacognostics analysis and antibacterial activity

A utilização de extratos vegetais vem se tornando uma alternativa importante para a prevenção de doenças periodontais. Este trabalho objetivou desenvolver uma formulação de enxagüatório bucal, contendo, em associação, extratos hidroalcoólicos de Rosmarinus officinalis, Plantago major, Tabebuia impetiginosa, Achillea millefollium e Nasturtium officinale; avaliar sua composição farmacognóstica e sua atividade antibacteriana, como também da fórmula proposta. Foram realizados estudos de pré-formulação e análises farmacognósticas para as espécies vegetais. A atividade antibacteriana in vitro foi observada por meio dos métodos de difusão em disco de papel, por hole- plate e por template, frente a Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia colik, Enterococcus faecalis e Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) foi determinada por meio do método de macrodiluições sucessivas em caldo. Os resultados obtidos apresentaram-se de acordo com o histórico farmacognóstico das drogas estudadas. Todas as bactérias foram inibidas pelos extratos, observando-se que as espécies S. aureus e B. subtilis mostraram, aparentemente, maior sensibilidade. A CIM variou, em relação a sensibilidade de cada espécie bacteriana estudada, de 312,5 æL/mL a 1250 æL/mL para os extratos vegetais e de 625 æL/mL a 2500 æL/mL para o enxaguatório bucal. São necessários estudos complementares para a confirmação da eficácia deste produto e sua utilização na prevenção de doenças periodontais.

In this study, herbs and hidroalcoholic extracts of Nasturtium officinale, Rosmarinus officinalis, Tabebuia impetiginosa, Plantago major and Achillea millefollium, were investigated for pharmacognostics analysis (flavonoids, alkaloids, tanins, saponins and antraquinones) and antibacterial activity (against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis e Pseudomonas aeruginosa). In vitro antibacterial studies were carried by the disc diffusion method, hole plate and tamplate. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determinated by broth dilution method. The extracts were incorporated in mouthwash for periodontal diseases treatment. The pharmacognostics studies showed that herbs and extracts have substances groups described in literature. The antibacterial studies showed that extracts and mouthwash have some activity against all considered bacteria. S. aureus and B. subtilis showed, apparently, to be species more susceptible. Investigation of the MIC showed 312,5 æL/mL-1250 æL/mL for extracts and 625 æL/mL-2500 æL/mL for mouthwash. The studies served as initial quality control of the obtained cosmetic, enhancing anti-inflammatory (flavonoids) and/or antibacterial activities (tanins). However, new studies are necessary to confirm the cosmetic efficacy for treatment periodontal diseases.

in vitro study of the effects of Yarrow, Chamomile and Rhubarb herbal extracts on candida albicans and common oral bacteria

Herbal mouth washes arc part of the broad spectrum of herbal medicine that is widely used in Iran, especially in recent years. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the antifungal and antibacterial effects of Yarrow, Chamomile and Rhubarb and to compare them with Iranian and foreign 0.2% chlorohexidine mouth washes. Microbial samples were purchased from PTCC and herbal extracts were obtained from Gol daroye lsfahan Co. Iranian chlorhexidine was bought from a pharmacy and foreign chlorhexidine [Made in UK] from the Noor center. Bacterial inhibition zone halo was measured and agar dilution was used to evaluate the herbal extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] was determined for all specimens. A validity test was administered for each of the microorganisms and the dilution of the extracts were confirmed in the laboratory. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using repeated-measure ANOVA. The three extracts revealed different antifungal and antimicrobial effects. The highest to lowest antimicrobial effects were seen in Rhubarb, Yarrow and Chamomile, respectively. The antifungal effects were weak in all three tested extracts. A significant difference was observed between the antimicrobial and antifungal effects of the 3 extracts and the 2 chlorhexidine solutions [p<0.0l]. The antifungal effects of the UK-made chlorhexidine was higher than the Iranian chlorohexidine and both were higher than the 3 tested extracts, No significant difference in antifungal effects was found between the two studied chlorhexidines, The antibacterial effects of Rhubarb were higher than Yarrow and Chamomile. Further investigation, using more specific laboratory methods along with clinical evaluation is recommended

In vitro anti-epimastigote activity of some Iranian medicinal plants

Some medicinal plants are a potential source of new drugs, in order to improve the treatment of Chagas disease whose treatment is still a challenge. In this study, the in vitro anti-epimastigote activity of certain fractions of Achillea biebersteinii, A. millefolium, Satureja mutica and S. macrantha was evaluated. Diethyl ether fractions of Achillea species and acetone fractions of Satureja species were the most active fractions [MLC=12.5 microg/ml] against the epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi, the ethiological agent causing Chagas disease. The trypanocidal activity seems to be decreased by fractionation, using MeOH and water as the solvents. The results obtained from assay revealed that Achillea and Satureja species could be a source of active trypanocidal compounds