Evaluation of morphine, methadone, digoxin, and dronabinol poisoning during the years 2017 to 2019 in Ilam, Iran.

Background: Every year, drug poisoning is the most prevalent reason for referring patients to medical centers. This study aimed to evaluation of morphine, methadone, digoxin, and dronabinol poisoning in Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam. Methods: In this In this Cross-sectional study, patient samples suspected of morphine, methadone, digoxin, and dronabinol poisoning referred to the toxicology laboratory of Ilam University of Medical Sciences were analyzed using the HPLC method, and the results were analysed using SPSS software. Results: Results showed that the percentage of drug use is greater in men than in women. The highest percentage of morphine and methadone poisonings were detected in those under the age of 40, whereas the highest percentage of digoxin poisonings were recorded in those over the age of 80. As a result, the average age of digoxin users was substantially greater in men than in women. Methadone consumers showed significantly greater blood levels than others. In addition, there was a significant difference (P<0.01) in blood levels between men and women who used morphine. Conclusion: In general, it is important to understand the status of drug poisoning with drugs such as morphine, methadone, digoxin, and dronabinol, as well as the prognosis associated with the treatment process of such poisoning.

Polycystic ovaries and herbal remedies: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects one in every 15 women worldwide. This disorder is mainly characterized by increased levels of male hormones (androgens), acne, and hirsutism, and can lead to long-term insulin resistance, miscarriage, or even infertility in women. PCOS is a disorder that can be treated with natural and allopathic remedies that work against the PCOS mechanism. The present study reviews previous studies on the treatment of PCOS using natural drugs. METHODS: The data in this study were collected from articles published in reputable databases including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and SID in the field of medicinal plants from 1990 to 2021. RESULTS: A review of the literature showed that plants such as aloe vera and chamomile improve fertility by increasing the number of ovarian follicles. Besides, Vitex agnus-castus and octane reduce hirsutism by reducing testosterone and androgen levels. It was also shown that liquorice, ginseng, cinnamon, and de chiro Inositol improve the adverse effects of diabetes caused by PCOS by lowering lipid and blood glucose levels. Moreover, Stachys lavandulifolia and fennel are effective in changing endometrial tissue parameters in PCOS by reducing estrogen and hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Various studies have shown that herbal medicines can improve PCOS symptoms in women with minimal side effects but a longer treatment cycle.

WITHDRAWN: Evaluation of Morphine, Methadone, Digoxin, and Dronabinol Poisoning in Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam, Iran

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The Effects of Toxic Heavy Metals Lead, Cadmium and Copper on the Epidemiology of Male and Female Infertility.

Infertility is a major problem in modern society that affects a significant number of couples around the world. Heavy metals and a number of other factors have been causally linked to infertility. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of heavy metals lead, cadmium, and copper on the epidemiology of male and female infertility. Searches for articles published from 1982 to 2020 using related keywords such as male and female infertility and heavy metals were performed in scientific databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and others. The results showed that, in recent years, the number of infertile individuals has increased. Various environmental, occupational, and genetic factors have been described as potential causes. Heavy metals lead, cadmium, and copper cause infertility in couples through various mechanisms, such as changes in sperm motility factors, decreased semen quality, or effects on the egg. Exposure to physical phenomena such as radiation (ionized or microwave) and heat; stress and mental disorders; chemicals from cigarettes, respiratory pollutants (lead), insecticides and pesticides; anesthetic gases; and mercury and cytotoxic drugs may also contribute to the onset of infertility.

Biosynthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles using Hypericum perforatum and Origanum vulgare extracts and their main components, hypericin and carvacrol as promising antibacterial agents.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anti-bacterial activities of titanium dioxide (TiO) nanoparticles of Origanum (O.) vulgare and Hypericum (H.) perforatum extracts, carvacrol and hypericin against Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. METHODS: In this study, TiOnanoparticles of O. vulgare and H. perforatum extracts, carvacrol and hypericin, were prepared and their antibacterial effects were evaluated against Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. In this study, scanning electron microscope, fourier transform infrared spectrometer, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering and zeta potential were used to investigate the structure of synthesized drugs. RESULTS: Anti-bacterial activity of synthesized NPs was tested by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration and disc diffusion method. MICs of TiO-NPs synthesized using O. vulgare, H. perforatum, carvacrol and hypericin and TiO were obtained 250, 62.5, 250, and 250, and 500 µg/mL, respectively. The MBCs for all of these were obtained 1000 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: Green-synthesized of TiO nanoparticles provides a promising approach to the use of O. vulgare and H. perforatum, carvacrol and hypericin as novel agents and safer antibacterial compounds, especially anti-S. aureus compounds.

The effect of pomegranate seed oil on human health, especially epidemiology of polycystic ovary syndrome; a systematic review.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder in women. Today, medicinal plants have been considered by women, especially in the reproductive and pregnancy ages. Multiple drug treatments and the length of the treatment period often lead to incomplete treatment by patients. Therefore, due to the side effects of chemical drugs, this study was conducted to assess investigate the effect of pomegranate seed oil on polycystic ovary syndrome. The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome is increasing by 15 to 20% and clinically includes oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, hirsutism, and often infertility. Databases such as Cochran library, Medline, PubMed, SID, and Science Direct were used to access the related articles. To collect the required information, first, the articles that had one of the keywords of medicinal plants, polycystic ovary syndrome, plant, pomegranate extract, and menstrual irregularities in their text were searched in databases. All studies from 1985 to 2021 are included in the study. Conjugated linolenic acid (CLN) is a group of geometric and positional isomers of linolenic acid in which double bonds are conjugated. CLN has been reported to have a very strong cytotoxic effect on tissue tumor cells in the body, preventing cancer, reducing the accumulation of triacylglycerol in the liver, polycystic ovary syndrome, and LDL cholesterol in the blood. So far, seven CLN isomers have been identified, including ponic acid in pomegranate seed oil. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a group of situational and geometric isomers of linoleic acid in which double bonds are conjugated. The positive effects of the two main CLA isomers (cis-9, trans-11, and trans-10, cis-12) include inhibiting the growth of cancer, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, and reducing body fat.

Phytotherapy for Wound Healing: The Most Important Herbal Plants in Wound Healing Based on Iranian Ethnobotanical Documents.

Wound healing is a process that starts with the inflammatory response after the occurrence of any damage. This process initiates by restoring the wound surface coating tissue, migrating fibroblasts to form the required collagen, forming a healing tissue and finally, leading to contortion and extraction of the wound. Today, various drugs are used to heal wounds. However, the drugs used to repair wounds have some defects and side effects. In spite of all attempts to accelerate wound healing definitely, no safe drug has been introduced for this purpose. Therefore, the necessity to identify herbal plants in ethnopharmacology and ethnobotany documents with healing effects is essential. In this article, we tried to review and present effective Iranian medicinal plants and herbal compounds used for wound healing. Searching was performed on databases, including ISI Web of Science, PubMed, PubMed Central, Scopus, ISC, SID, Magiran and some other databases. The keywords used included wound healing, skin treatment, medicinal plants, ethnobotany, and phytotherapy. In this regard, 139 medicinal plants effective on wound healing were identified based on ethnopharmacology and ethnobotanical sources of Iran. Plants such as Salvia officinalis, Echium amoenum, Verbascum spp., G1ycyrrhiza glabra, Medicago sativa, Mentha pulegium, Datura stramonium L., Alhagi spp., Aloe vera, Hypericum perforatum, Pistacia atlantica and Prosopis cineraria are the most important and useful medicinal plants used for wound healing in Iran. These native Iranian medicinal plants are rich in antioxidants and biological compounds and might be used for wound healing and preparation of new drugs.

Campylobacter: A Review of New Promising Remedies with Medicinal Plants and Natural Antioxidants.

Campylobacter (curved bacteria) is considered one of the most important and common zoonotic bacteria and the three leading bacterial causes of gastroenteritis and diarrhea. Antibacterial resistance is growing and expanding. The aim of this review article is to report anti-Campylobacter medicinal plants. For this purpose, the search terms consisting of Campylobacter, medicinal plants, essential oil, extract, and traditional medicine were used to retrieve the relevant articles published in the journals indexed in Information Sciences Institute, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Scientific Information Databases. Then, the findings of eligible articles were analyzed. According to the analysis, 71 medicinal plants were found to exert anti-Campylobacter effect. The active compounds of these plants are possibly nature-based antibiotic agents that are effective on Campylobacter. If these compounds are isolated, purified, and studied in pharmaceutical investigations, they can be used to produce nature-based, anti-Campylobacter antibiotics.

Salinity modulates biochemical and histopathological changes caused by silver nanoparticles in juvenile Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of salinity on the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in Persian sturgeon. This was evaluated by exposing Persian sturgeon to AgNPs in three salinities: freshwater (F: 0.4 ppt), brackish water 1 (B1: 6 ± 0.2 ppt), and brackish water 2 (B2: 12 ± 0.3 ppt) for 14 days, which was followed by analysis of alterations in plasma chemistry and histopathology of the gills, liver, and intestine. Values of 96-h median lethal concentration (LC50) were calculated as 0.89 mg/L in F, 2.07 mg/L in B1, and 1.59 mg/L in B2. After sub-chronic exposures, plasma cortisol, glucose, potassium, and sodium levels illustrated no significant changes within each salinity level. In F, 0.2 mg/L AgNP caused the highest levels of alkaline phosphatase and osmolality levels. In B1, 0.6 mg/L AgNP induced the highest level of alkaline phosphatase and elevated plasma osmolality was recorded in all AgNP-exposed treatments in comparison with the controls. The B2 treatment combined with 0.6 mg/L AgNP significantly reduced plasma chloride level. The results showed elevating salinity significantly increased osmolality, chloride, sodium, and potassium levels of plasma in the fish exposed to AgNPs. The abundance of the tissue lesions was AgNP concentration-dependent, where the highest number of damages was observed in the gills, followed by liver and intestine, respectively. The histopathological study also confirmed alterations such as degeneration of lamella, lifting of lamellar epithelium, hepatic vacuolation, pyknotic nuclei, and cellular infiltration of the lamina propria elicited by AgNPs in the gills, liver, and intestine of Persian sturgeon. In conclusion, the stability of AgNPs in aquatic environments can be regulated by changing the salinity, noting that AgNPs are more stable in low salinity waters.

The synergistic effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Origanum vulgare, Hypericum perforatum and their active components carvacrol and hypericin against Staphylococcus aureus.

AIM: This study was designed to evaluate the synergistic activities of hydroalcoholic extracts of medicinal plants Origanum vulgare and Hypericum perforatum and their active components, carvacrol and hypericin against Staphylococcus aureus. METHODS: The synergistic effects of the plants, as well as carvacrol and hypericin, were examined using a checkered method against S. aureus (ATCC 12600). RESULTS: A fractional inhibitory concentration of 0.5 was obtained for combination of O. vulgare and H. perforatum and 0.49 for combination of the active ingredients carvacrol and hypericin, both of which indicated a synergistic effect. CONCLUSION: This preliminary evaluation demonstrated a synergistic property of O. vulgare and H. perforatum extracts in treating S. aureus infection. This study indicates that combination of the plants, as well as combination of carvacrol and hypericin, might be used as a new antibacterial strategy against S. aureus.

Phytochemical Profiles and Antibacterial Activities of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Origanum vulgare and Hypericum perforatum and Carvacrol and Hypericin as a Promising Anti-Staphylococcus aureus.

OBJECTIVES: Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacteria, is ranked second among the causes of hospital infections and is one of the three main causes of food poisoning. In recent times, the spread of antibiotic resistance in S. aureus has become very worrisome. Therefore, research for new effective drugs is important. The present study aims to investigate the phytochemical profiles and antibacterial effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Origanum vulgare (Lamiaceae family) and Hypericum perforatum (Clusiaceae family) and their active compounds on S. aureus (ATCC 12600) in vitro. METHODS: The identification of phytochemical compounds in both plants was performed by Highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC), headspace-solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). To investigate microbial susceptibility, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and disc diffusion method (DAD) were used. Finally, the results of the study were compared with methicillin. RESULTS: Of the 42 combinations of O. vulgare, carvacrol (48%) and of the 38 combinations of H. perforatum, hypericin (46.2%) were the most abundant. The MIC, MBC and DAD of O. vulgare and H. perforatum, carvacrol, hypericin and methicillin were 625, 625, 312.5, 78.12 and 384 µg/mL, 10000, 10000, 2500, 2500 and 384 µg/mL, and 15.66 ± 4.49, 12.66 ± 0.47 and 22 ± 0.81 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: Due to the significant effects of O. vulgare and H. perforatum and their active components against S. aureus, it is expected that in the future, hypericin, carvacrol and their derivatives can be used as effective antibacterial agents against S. aureus.

Isolation and identification of probiotic Lactobacillus from local dairy and evaluating their antagonistic effect on pathogens.

OBJECTIVE: Probiotics such as lactobacilli prevent the development of a wide range of human and animal's pathogens. The aim of this study was evaluation of antagonistic effect of isolated lactobacilli from local dairy products against three standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty samples of local dairy products including cow milk, buffalo milk, cheese, and yogurt were collected from different areas of Ahwaz city. Antimicrobial disc diffusion method was applied on S. aureus (ATCC-6538), B. subtilis (ATCC-12711), and P. aeruginosa (ATCC-27853). Antimicrobial effects of isolates were evaluated by disc diffusion test on Mueller-Hinton agar medium plated with three pathogens. RESULTS: Obtained results showed that only three strains of isolated lactobacilli of local dairy samples had inhibitory effects on understudy pathogens including Lactobacillus alimentarius, Lactobacillus sake, and Lactobacillus collinoides. All three isolates showed moderate activity (inhibition zone <15 mm) except of L. collinoides and L. alimentarius that had relatively strong activity (inhibition zone ≥15 mm) against P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis, respectively. CONCLUSION: These bacteria can be raised for the production of various kinds of food, pharmaceutical products, and functional foods.

Antifungal effects of Lactobacillus species isolated from local dairy products.

OBJECTIVE: The Lactobacillus is a genus of lactic acid bacteria which are regularly rod-shaped, nonspore, Gram-positive, heterogeneous, and are found in a wide range of inhabitants such as dairy products, plants, and gastrointestinal tract. A variety of antimicrobial compounds and molecules such as bacteriocin are produced by these useful bacteria to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microbes in the food products. This paper aims to examine the isolation of Lactobacillus from local dairies as well as to determine their inhibition effect against a number of pathogens, such as two fungi: Penicillium notatum and Aspergillus fulvous. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve Lactobacillus isolates from several local dairies. After initial dilution (10-1-10-3) and culture on the setting, de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe-agar, the isolates were recognized and separated by phenotypic characteristics and biochemical; then their antifungal effect was examined by two methods. RESULTS: Having separated eight Lactobacillus isolates, about 70% of the isolates have shown the inhabiting areas of antifungus on the agar-based setting, but two species Lactobacillus alimentarius and Lactobacillus delbrueckii have indicated a significant antifungal effect against P. notatum and A. fulvous. Except bacteriocin, lactic acid, and acetic acid, the inhibitor substance is produced by these bacteria. CONCLUSION: Given the vitality of Lactobacillus in human health, recognition and isolation of the species producing compound in antagonist to the pathogens existing in the food products can be a helpful and effective step toward maintaining the valuable native Lactobacillus and using them in the dairy industries.

Synergistic effect of Carum copticum and Mentha piperita essential oils with ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, and gentamicin on Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

BACKGROUND: Infectious diseases have always been an important health issue in human communities. In the recent years, much research has been conducted on antimicrobial effects of nature-based compounds because of increased prevalence of antibiotic resistance. The present study was conducted to investigate synergistic effect of Carum copticum and Mentha piperita essential oils with ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, and gentamicin on Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, the synergistic effects of C. copticum and M. piperita essential oils with antibiotics on Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 14990), and Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 7644) were studied according to broth microdilution and the MIC and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) of these two essential oils determined. RESULTS: C. copticum essential oil at 30 µg/ml could inhibit S. aureus, and in combination with vancomycin, decreased MIC from 0.5 to 0.12 µg/ml. Moreover, the FIC was derived 0.24 µg/ml which represents a potent synergistic effect with vancomycin against S. aureus growth. C. copticum essential oil alone or combined with other antibiotics is effective in treating bacterial infections. CONCLUSIONS: In addition, C. copticum essential oil can strengthen the activities of certain antibiotics, which makes it possible to use this essential oil, especially in drug resistance or to lower dosage or toxicity of the drugs.

Distribution of Class D Carbapenemase and Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase Genes among Acinetobacter Baumannii Isolated from Burn Wound and Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Infections.

INTRODUCTION: Resistance to Acinetobacter baumannii is dramatically on the rise in Iran. Therefore, it is important to study resistance pattern among Acinetobacter isolates which is a common cause of nosocomial infections. AIM: To investigate antibiotic resistance patterns and the role of resistant genes and biofilm formation in the induction of resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from burn wound and ventilator associated pneumonia infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 103 isolates such as 33 burn samples from Rasool Akram Hospital and 70 isolates from ventilated patients in Shahid Motahhari Hospital were identified with A. baumannii using biochemical method, and then identified to species level with PCR of gyrB and blaOXA-51 gene. Antibiotic sensitivity pattern for ß-lactam and carbapenem antibiotics was assessed using Agar disc diffusion test and E-test. The presence of different carbapenemase and metalo-ß-lactamase (blaOXA-51-like, gyrB, blaOXA-23-like, blaOXA-24-like, blaOXA-58, blaVEB, blaPER, blaGIM, blaSIM, blaIMP, blaVIM), extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (blaTEM, blaSHV) and two insertion sequences genes (ISaba1, IS1113) was assessed. Biofilm formation of all isolates was then assessed. Chi-square analysis or Fisher's-exact tests were used for statistical analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Colistin was the most effective antimicrobial agents, although 10.7% (11/103) of the isolates were resistant. The high rate of resistance to meropenem (93.2%) and imipenem (90.3%) was determined. Also, with exception of ampicillin-sulbactam, surprisingly the resistant rate was 28.2%, the resistance to ß-lactam antibiotic was dramatically increased. Co-existence of two and three blaOXA genes was also determined. The blaOXA-58 was detected in only one isolate. The blaTEM and blaOXA-23 was the most prevalent Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamases (ESBL) gene. All isolates were biofilm producers. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic resistance is increasing among A. baumannii isolates which is due to excessive use of antibiotics and also acquired resistant genes and biofilm production. Resistance to nearly all antimicrobial agents especially colistin as end choice for treatment of multiple drug resistance A. baumannii is a big concern.

Phytotherapy in Streptococcusagalactiae: An Overview of the Medicinal Plants Effective against Streptococcus agalactiae.

Streptococcus agalactiae is a spherical and Gram-positive bacterium that causes postpartum sepsis, endometritis, chorioamnionitis and premature delivery in pregnant women. The use of herbs and natural ingredients for the treatment of various disorders has been common. The present review is a report on the medicinal plants with anti-Streptococcus agalactiae effects. In this review, the search was carried out in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Science direct by keywords such as bacteria, Streptococcus agalactiae and medicinal plants. According to the search results, 10 medicinal plants are used as anti-bacterial against Streptococcus agalactiae. Results of this study suggest that the active ingredients listed in this review paper used for pharmacological studies on Streptococcus agalactiae so it can produce effective natural antibiotic for the future.

The Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Linum usitatissimum in Balb/c Mice.

Linum usitatissimum L is traditionally used for relief of pain and inflammation. In this study, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of this plant were evaluated. Xylene test was used for anti-inflammatory evaluation in which 48 mice were randomly designated into 6 groups of 8 each including: control, dexamethasone as positive control (15 mg/kg), and experimental groups (42, 85, 170, and 340 mg/kg, respectively). For analgesic evaluation, 192 mice were randomly designated into 4 sets of 6 groups of 8 mice, including control, morphine as positive control, morphine plus naloxone, experimental groups (200 and 500 mg/kg extract), and extract along with naloxone group, which received 500 mg/kg. The analgesic activities were evaluated at 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes, respectively, in each set. Both doses showed analgesic activity, the 200 mg/kg possessed higher effects ( P < .05). Naloxone reduced a section of its effect ( P < .001). The 170 mg/kg dose of the extract showed anti-inflammatory activity ( P < .05). The extract had phenolic, flavonoid, and flavonol compounds with antioxidant activity. Linum usitatissimum L dose dependently had analgesic activity partially like morphine and might be used as analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.

The Impact of Oxidative Stress on Testicular Function and the Role of Antioxidants in Improving it: A Review.

Oxidative stress is an important factor for development of male infertility because of very high rate of cell division and mitochondrial oxygen consumption in testicular tissue as well as comparably higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids in this tissue than in other tissues. Moreover, the level of oxygen pressure is low due to the weakness of testicular artery; therefore, there is a severe cell competition for oxygen. Therefore, the testicular tissue and male reproductive system are particularly susceptible to oxidative stress. On the other hand, exposure to X-ray, toxins and chemicals found in the environment as well as specific physical conditions such as varicocele can exacerbate the oxidative stress and induce apoptosis of germ cells and subsequently spermatogenesis. However, under normal conditions, the body's capacity to produce antioxidants for inhibiting adverse effects of oxidative stress is affected by metabolic process and genetic structure. Besides that, environmental factors such as diet, pollutants, and chemicals can affect this capacity. Thus, the body's antioxidant system alone is not able to neutralize all free radicals and prevent harmful complications of oxidative stress. Therefore, use of antioxidants and development of antioxidant therapy can break down the oxidative chain reaction and play a very significant role in increasing the body's capacity to fight free radical-induced oxidative stress, and therefore improve the process of spermatogenesis.

A review of plant-based compounds and medicinal plants effective on atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is one of the most important cardiovascular diseases that involve vessels through the development of fatty streaks and plaques. Plant-based compounds can help treat or prevent atherosclerosis through affecting the involved factors. The main purpose of this review article is to investigate and introduce medicinal plants and their potential activities regarding antioxidant properties, effective on lipids level and development of plaque, atherosclerosis, and progression of atherosclerosis as well as the development of cardiovascular disease and ischemia. To search for the relevant articles indexed in Information Sciences Institute, PubMed, Scientific Information Database, IranMedex, and Scopus between 1980 and 2013, with further emphasis on those indexed from 2004 to 2015, we used these search terms: atherosclerosis, antioxidant, cholesterol, inflammation, and the medicinal plants below. Then, the articles with inclusion criteria were used in the final analysis of the findings. Plant-based active compounds, including phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants, can be effective on atherosclerosis predisposing factors and hence in preventing this disease and associated harmful complications, especially through reducing cholesterol, preventing increase in free radicals, and ultimately decreasing vascular plaque and vascular resistance. Hence, medicinal plants can contribute to treating atherosclerosis and preventing its progression through reducing cholesterolemia, free radicals, inflammation, vascular resistance, and certain enzymes. They, alone or in combination with hypocholesterolemic drugs, can therefore be useful for patients with hyperlipidemia and its complications.

Performance of Broilers Supplemented With Peppermint ( Mentha piperita L.) Powder.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of peppermint ( Mentha piperita L.) on the performance of broiler chicks. 500 Ross broiler chicks were divided into 5 treatment groups of 4 replications in a completely randomized design format. The diets were ISO-caloric and ISO-nitrogenous ones and contained 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6 g/kg of peppermint powder. At start, growing, and end periods, the effects of peppermint powder on average daily weight gain, feed conversation ratio, and mortality rate were studied. The results of the present study showed that over a production period of 42 days peppermint had a significant effect on average daily weight gain and feed conversation ratio when compared with the control group ( P < .05). The level of 4.5 g/kg had the highest average daily weight gain (52.78 g), and control treatment with 46.98 g had the least average daily weight gain among different levels of peppermint. The level of 4.5 g/kg and 6 g/kg of peppermint had the least mortality compared to control treatment during training period ( P < .05). From this experiment, we can conclude that treatment with 4.5 g/kg peppermint powder has better performance and carcass characteristics in broilers.