RESUMEN
The prevalence of psychiatric disorders namely depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances has been increased worldwide, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, the interest of recent investigations is moved toward phytomedicines and bioactive substances derived from natural sources. Although Tilia platyphyllos Scop. contains high amounts of phenolic compounds such as quercetin, kaempferol, and catechin, there is no study on the possible effects of its extract on psychological disorders. The present study was carried out to determine the antidepressant-like, anxiolytic, and sedative-hypnotic effects of the hydroethanolic extract of T. platyphyllos leaves using forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), elevated plus maze test (EPMT), pentobarbital-induced loss of righting reflex test and open field test (OFT). Following the ethanolic extraction of T. platyphyllos leaves, the extraction yield was 14% and the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were found to be 135.23 +/- 0.14 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry extract and 19.02 +/- 0.03 mg rutin equivalent/g dry extract, respectively. Both FTS and TST revealed a significant antidepressant-like activity for the tested extract at 400 mg/kg compared to the control group. In addition, the anxiolytic activity of the extract was proven through OFT and EPMT in the same dose. Finally, T. platyphyllos extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly increased the sleeping time when compared to the control group reflecting its potential hypnotic activity. Co-administration of T. platyphyllos extract at 400 mg/kg and flumazenil as the GABA-A receptor antagonist decreased the sleeping time but the observed effect was not statistically significant. Therefore, we cannot completely rule out the GABA-A receptor's involvement in the hypnotic activity of the extract. The biological results presented here led us to conclude that T. platyphyllos extract can be a prominent source of antidepressant, anxiolytic and hypnotic agents. Probably, the main phenolic compounds of T. platyphyllos such as quercetin, kaempferol, and catechin are involved in the observed effects. However, there is still a great need for additional investigations on the exact mechanisms.Copyright © 2022, Iranian Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. All rights reserved.
RESUMEN
Introduction: Sexual function is a part of human life and behavior and is a multidimensional phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of biological, psychological, and social factors. Estradiol is the hormone which is directly related to the level of sexual function. Prevalence of Covid 19 virus causes severe mental and physical stress which may result in reduced sexual function. This study was performed aimed to determine the association between serum estradiol levels and stress score with sexual function in women referred to Shohadaye Yaftabad Hospital (simultaneously with the outbreak of coronavirus). Methods: This correlational study was performed in 2021 on 223 pregnant women aged 18-35 years referred to the gynecology clinic of Shohadaye Yaftabad Hospital (simultaneously with the outbreak of coronavirus). The women underwent venous blood sampling in the follicular phase and then completed the demographic characteristics (including personal information), the Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the DOS Stress Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 21) and Pearson correlation test and one-way analysis of variance. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: According to the Pearson correlation test, the mean of the total score of sexual function had a significant inverse correlation with stress (p <0.001, r =0.983). In other words, the more stress reduced the score of sexual function. Also, based on this test, estradiol levels have a positive correlation with sexual function (p =0.001, r = -0.223). Conclusion: According to this research, the stressful conditions including the coronavirus pandemic resulted in reduction of sexual function and estradiol levels.