Improvement of chemotherapy through reducing of cachexia by using Citrus unshiu peel extract.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: .Colorectal cancer (CRC) is now one the fourth cause of mortality and morbidity due to cancer throughout the globe. Cachexia is more prevalent in patients with this cancer and has a negative effect on response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 could play a key role in cachexia. Moreover strong chemotherapy medications such as doxorubicin have complications such as toxicity and cachexia. Citrus unshiu Peel have been used as traditional herbal drugs for the treatment of cancer in traditional oriental medicine (TOM). Since its main components have anti-inflammatory effects, we evaluated the anti-cachexia activity in order to support the traditional usage of Citrus unshiu peel. Aim of the study; We aimed to assess the preventive or therapeutic effect of Citrus unshiu Peel Extract (CUPE) on cachexia by reducing of inflammatory cytokines in mice bearing C26 tumor. Also the contribution role of CUPE has evaluated on improvement of chemotherapy through reducing of inflammatory cytokines. Materials and Methods; The CUPE was prepared by Soxhlet extractor and quantitative and qualitative analysis of aqua extract was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). C26 tumor bearing BALB/c male mice were immunized with different formulation of oral Prophylactic-therapeutic CUPE and/or intraperitoneal doxorubicin and then were monitored for weight gain, food intake and tumor size throughout the study. On the 32nd day after tumor injection, inflammatory cytokines levels, IL6, TNF-α and IL-1ß were evaluated by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Malondialdehyde- Thiobarbituric acid (MDA) levels were measured by standard method. Results; Oral administration of CUPE in both prophylactic and therapeutic formulation to C26 adenocarcinoma bearing mice reduced the weight loss, tumor volume, and serum MDA levels compared with untreated tumor-bearing mice and Doxorubicin (Dox) groups. Also, the combination therapy of (CUPE + Dox) leads to reducing the levels of serum IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß and tumor volume compared with untreated tumor-bearing mice and Dox groups. Serum MDA levels were considerably reduced by combination therapy of (CUPE + Dox) compared with Dox groups. Conclusions; These findings confirm the safety and efficacy of CUPE on C26 adenocarcinoma bearing mice as pure and adjuvant therapy, the results of which might be used in further human studies as a valuable natural anticancer agent alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Also the results showed that simultaneous application of CUPE and Dox leads to significant reduction of cachexia from the Dox chemotherapy.

Anticonvulsant activities of Sambucus nigra.

OBJECTIVE: Sambucus (S) spp. is reported to possess a variety of activities and has been used in traditional medicine for many years. In spite of CNS activity of this genus, nothing is known about the anticonvulsant activity of S. nigra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anticonvulsant activities of methanolic extracts of bark, fruit and leaf of S. nigra at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg kg-1 were determined by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced and maximal electroshock (MES) induced convulsions in mice. RESULTS: Normal saline treated mice showed tonic hind limb extension for a duration of 6.58 ± 1.24 s in MES model. Administration of extracts significantly and dose-dependently increased the delay of the onset of seizures and decreased significantly the duration of tonic hind limb extension. Bark extract at 500 and leaf extract at 1000 mg kg-1 gave 100% protection against seizures. They inhibited induction of convulsion and gave 100% protections against mortality. PTZ (100 mg kg-1) induced tonic seizures in all of the control mice. Pretreatment with leaf extract at 500 and 1000 mg kg-1 significantly decreased duration of tonic hind limb extension (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: GABA receptors were involved in epilepsy. Reduction of mortality and increase the onset of convulsion in MES model was comparable with that of diazepam. Extracts might possibly be producing an antiepileptic action by increasing the level of GABA.

Antioxidant activities of Eryngium caucasicum inflorescence.

OBJECTIVE: Medicinal plants are good sources for discovery of safe and new antioxidants. The aim of present study was to evaluate the efficiencies of three methods for evaluated for antioxidants from Eryngium caucasicum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ultrasonically assisted extraction, Soxhlet extraction and percolation method were evaluated for the extraction of antioxidants from E. caucasicum inflorescence. Antioxidant activities of extracts were evaluated with four different in vitro tests. RESULTS: Soxhlet extract had higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents than other extracts. Soxhlet extract showed the highest activity in DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 = 83.1 ± 2.1 µg ml-1). Soxhlet extract showed the best activity in iron chelatory (IC50 = 272 ± 6.3 µg ml-1) followed by ultrasonic extract. Percolation extract showed higher NO radical scavenging (IC50 = 390 ± 11.4 µg ml-1) than other extracts. Extracts showed good reducing power (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained indicated that all three extraction methods especially Soxhlet method could effectively extract antioxidants from this plant.

Scolicidal effect of Allium sativum flowers on hydatid cyst protoscolices.

UNLABELLED: he s OBJECTIVE: Because there is no effective and safe drug therapy for hydatid cyst, finding of some new agents especially from herbal origin with a desired scolicidal effect attracts great attention for treatment and pre-surgical use to prevent the hydatid cyst recurrence. In this study, the scolicidal effect of ultrasonic methanol extract of Garlic (Allium sativum) flower is investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Protoscolices were collected aseptically from sheep livers containing hydatid cyst and were exposed to different concentrations of extract for various exposure times. The viability of protoscolices was confirmed by 0.1% Eosin staining. RESULTS: The scolicidal activity of extract at a concentration of 50 mg ml-1 was 59, 76, 81 and 86% after 10, 30, 60, and 180 min of exposure respectively. The scolicidal effect at 100 mg ml-1 was 67, 78, 85 and 98% after various exposure times, respectively. The results of this study showed that the ultrasonic extract has high scolicidal activity and might be used as a natural scolicidal agent. CONCLUSIONS: Garlic flower extracts is a potent protoscolicid and might be used in hydatid cyst treatment and pre-surgery to prevent secondary cyst recurrence.

In vitro antioxidant and antihemolytic effects of the essential oil and methanolic extract of Allium rotundum L.

OBJECTIVE: A plethora of scientific evidence showed that several plant species from the genus Allium (Alliaceae) possess multiple therapeutic effects. Present paper aimed to examine the antioxidant and antihemolytic activities of the essential oil and methanol extract Allium rotundum L. through different in vitro assays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl radical (DPPH), nitric oxide as well as hydrogen peroxide scavenging, Fe2+ chelating, reducing power and also hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid peroxidation assay systems have been utilized to examine antioxidant effects of these samples. Total amounts of phenolic and flavonoid contents were calculated. The antihemolytic effect was investigated against hemolysis induced by hydrogen peroxide in rat erythrocytes. Also, mineral contents of plant were evaluated by atomic absorption spectroscopy. RESULTS: IC50 for DPPH radical-scavenging activity were 284 ± 11.64 for methanol extract and 1264 ± 45.60 µg ml-1 for essential oil, respectively. The extract has shown better reducing effects versus essential oil. The extract also demonstrated better activity in nitric oxide-scavenging activity. IC50 were 464 ± 19.68 for extract and 1093 ± 38.25 µg ml-1 for essential oil. The extract shows better activity than essential oil in Fe2+ chelating system. IC50 were 100 ± 3.75 for extract and 1223 ± 36.25 µg ml-1 for essential oil. The A. rotundum extract and essential oil showed significant H2O2 scavenging effects at dose-dependent manners. IC50 was 786 ± 29.08 mg ml-1 for essential oil. The amounts of eight elements were determined. The concentrations of elements were in the order: Mn> Fe> Zn> Cu> Ni> Cd. CONCLUSIONS: The extract showed a higher antioxidant effect in all tested models including DPPH, nitric oxide, reducing power as well as iron chelating and antihemolytic activities than essential oil. The latter showed more potent antioxidant activity in scavenging H2O2 and lipid peroxidation model. Antioxidant activities of extract may be attributed at least in part, due to its phenolic and flavonoid contents.

Antihypoxic activities of Eryngium caucasicum and Urtica dioica.

OBJECTIVE: Urtica dioica and Eryngium spp. have been used in traditional medicine for many years. In spite of many works, nothing is known about their protective effect against hypoxia-induced lethality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Protective effects of U. dioica (UD) aerial parts and E. caucasicum (EC) inflorescence against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice were evaluated by three experimental models of hypoxia, asphyctic, haemic and circulatory. RESULTS: Statistically significant protective activities were established in some doses of extracts in three models. Antihypoxic activity was especially pronounced in polyphenol fractions in asphyctic model. EC polyphenol fraction at 400 mg/kg prolonged survival time (48.80 ± 4.86, p < 0.001) which was comparable with that of phenytoin (p > 0.05). It was the most effective extract in circulatory model, too. It prolonged survival time significantly respect to control group (p < 0.001). UD extracts protected the mice but the response was not dose-dependent. In haemic model, extracts of EP significantly and dose dependently prolonged survival time as compared to control group (p < 0.001). At 600 mg/kg, EP was the most effective one, being capable of keeping the mice alive for 12.71 ± 0.75 min. Only the concentration of 300 mg/kg of UD was effective (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Extracts showed remarkable antihypoxic effects. Pharmacological effects may be attributed to the presence of polyphenols in the extracts.

Antidepressant activities of Feijoa sellowiana fruit.

OBJECTIVE: Many pharmacological activities have been reported for Feijoa sellowiana. The aim of present study was to investigate antidepressant activities of its leaf and fruit extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antidepressant activities of methanolic extracts were evaluated by modified forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST) in male Swiss albino mice. RESULTS: Extracts showed signicant antidepressant activity in both models. They shortened remarkably the immobility period in both FST and TST and exhibited a dose dependent activity (p < 0.001). Leaf extract showed better activity than fruit extract. At 800 mg kg-1, it showed far better activity than imipramine in FST (p < 0.001). Both extracts showed significantly better activity than imipramine in increasing climbing time (p < 0.001). They showed significant activity in increasing in swimming time as compared to the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our studies indicate that Feijoa showed significant antidepressant activity. It produced dose dependent effect on both models. It seems this effect is mainly mediated by inhibition of reuptake of catecholamines. These results introduced these plants as easily accessible source of natural antidepressant.

Antidepressant activities of Sambucus ebulus and Sambucus nigra.

OBJECTIVE: Many pharmacological activities have been reported in Sambucus (S.) genus. The aim of present study was to investigate antidepressant activities of different parts of S. ebulus and S. nigra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antidepressant activity of methanolic extracts were evaluated by forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST) in male Swiss albino mice. RESULTS: Extracts showed very good antidepressant activity in both FST and TST. They shortened remarkably the immobility period in both FST and TST and exhibited a dose dependent activity. Extracts in all tested doses showed significant activity as compared to control group (p<0.001). S. nigra showed better activity than S. ebulus. Its leaf extract at 1200 mg kg(-1) showed the same activity as imipramine in FST (p>0.05). Its fruit extract at 1200 mg kg(-1) showed far better activity than imipramine in FST (p<0.001). S. ebulus fruit extract in 1200 mg kg(-1) showed significant activity which was so better than imipramine at 10 mg kg(-1), in decreasing immobility period in TST (p<0.001). No mortality was observed after 48 hours at 3 g kg(-1). CONCLUSIONS: Our report indicated the S. ebulus and S. nigra. extracts were safe and showed remarkable antidepressant activity in FST and TST in mice. These results introduced these plants as easily accessible source of natural antidepressant.

Antidepressant and antihemolytic activities of Vicia sojakii.

OBJECTIVES: Many pharmacological activities have been reported in Vicia (V.) genus. The aim of present study was to investigate antidepressant and antihemolytic activities of aerial parts of V. sojakii. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antidepressant activity of methanolic extract was evaluated by forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST) in male Swiss albino mice. Antihemolytic effect of extract was also determined. RESULTS: Extract showed good antidepressant activity in both FST and TST. It shortened remarkably the immobility period in FST and TST and exhibited a dose dependent activity. Extract in 125 mg kg(-1) showed significant activity as compared to control (p < 0.05) in both test. Extract at 1500 mg kg(-1) showed the same activity of imipramine 15 mg kg(-1) (p > 0.05) in FST. Extract show good antihemolytic activity against H2O2 induced hemolysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our report indicated the V. sojakii aerial parts extract was safe and showed remarkable antidepressant activity in FST and TST in mice. It also exhibited good antihemolytic activity. These results introduced V. sojakii as an easily accessible source of natural antidepressant.

Antidepressant activity of Hibiscus esculentus L.

OBJECTIVES: Hibiscus (H.) esculentus L. (Okra) is distributed from Africa to Asia, Southern European and America and widely used as food. The aim of present study was to investigate antidepressant activity of Okra seeds and leaves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antidepressant activity of methanolic extracts were evaluated by forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST). Also, total phenol and flavonoid contents were measured by Folin Ciocalteau and AlCl3 assays, respectively. RESULTS: Phenol and flavonoid contents of extracts were determined as gallic acid and quercetin equivalents from a calibration curve, respectively. Extracts showed good antidepressant activity in both FST and TST. The extracts shortened remarkably the immobility period in FST and TST and exhibited a dose dependent activity. Seeds extract in 250, 500 and 750 mg kg-1 showed significant activity as compared to control (p < 0.001). Both extracts at 750 mg kg-1 showed similar activity as imipramine 15 mg kg-1 (p > 0.05) in TST. Extracts contained high amount of phenol and flavonoids. No mortality has been observed up to 2 g kg-1 for seeds and 2.5 g kg-1 for leaves. CONCLUSIONS: These results introduced H. esculentus seeds and leaves as an easily accessible and edible source of natural antidepressant.

Anticonvulsant activity of Hypericum scabrum L.; possible mechanism involved.

OBJECTIVES: Hypericum (H.) spp. has been used in traditional medicine for their anticonvulsant effect for many years. In spite of many works on this genus, little is known about H. scabrum. In this work, anticonvulsant activity of H. scabrum was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anticonvulsant activity of aqueous extract was evaluated by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced convulsion and picrotoxin induced convulsion. Also, nitric oxide radical scavenging was investigated as a possible mechanism involved. RESULTS: Extract (125-500 mg kg-1, i.p.) significantly delayed the onset of PTZ induced convulsion. At 500 mg kg-1, 100% protection against mortality was observed. At this dose, it significantly prolonged the onset of picrotoxin induced convulsion in mice, too. It showed significant nitric oxide radical scavenging activity. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanism of anticonvulsant activity may be through GABA and/or nitric oxide pathway.

Anti-giardial activity of Sambucus ebulus.

OBJECTIVES: Giardia (G.) lamblia is a parasite that causes giardiasis in humans and other mammals. The common treatment produces unpleasant side effects. The ethnopharmacology for management of parasitic infections accelerates and guides the search for new chemical objects. This study assessed the in vitro cytotoxicity of Sambucus (S.) ebulus fruit against Cysts of G. lamblia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Giardia cysts were isolated from patients' fecal specimens; the cysts were isolated by sucrose 0.85 M solution. The plant extract was used at concentrations of 1, 10, 50 and 100 mg/mL throughout the experiments. The extracts were incubated with several isolates of G. lamblia for 5, 10, 30 and 60 minutes and then the viability were distinguished by eosin 0.01%. RESULTS: S. ebulus extract at the concentration of 100 mg/ml for 60 minutes had the most anti-giardial activity (78 ± 4%) than other concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Considering excellent antigiardial activity of S. ebulus in vitro, it seems to have potential for the treatment of the parasitic disease caused by the protozoan G. lamblia.

In vitro effect of Sambucus ebulus on scolices of Hydatid cysts.

OBJECTIVES: Echinococcosis infection is caused in humans by the larval stage of cestodes belonging to the genus Echinococcus. Hydatid cyst cured by percutaneous aspiration, infusion of scolicidal agents with reaspiration or surgery. Many scolicidal agents have been used for inactivation of the cyst's content, but most of them are not safe due to their unanticipated side effects. In the present study, the scolicidal effect of methanolic extract of Sambucus (S.) ebulus fruit is investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Protoscolices were aseptically aspirated from sheep livers having hydatid cysts. Four concentrations (1, 10, 50 and 100 mg ml-1) of S. ebulus extract were used for 5, 10, 30 and 60 min. Viability of protoscolices was confirmed by 0.1% Eosin staining. RESULTS: The results of our study indicated that methanolic extract of S. ebulus fruit showed a high scolicidal activity in vitro (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Methanolic extract of S. ebulus showed high scolicidal activity in vitro. It might be used as a scolicidal cause in the surgical treatment of the hydatid cyst. However, further research on the in vivo efficacy of S. ebulus extract and its potential side effects is recommended.

Antihemolytic activity and mineral contents of Juglans regia L. flowers.

OBJECTIVES: Juglans (J.) regia L. is known to possess many biological properties. In this study, antihemolytic activity of methanol extract of Juglans regia L. flower were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antihemolytic activities of Juglans regia L. flowers were evaluated by various in vitro assays. In addition, scavenging of hydrogen peroxide and mineral contents of flowers were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. RESULTS: Extract showed good antihemolytic activity against H2O2 and CuOOH induced hemolysis in comparison with control. Extract was capable of scavenging H2O2 in a concentration dependent manner. IC50 for H2O2 scavenging activity was 311±12.8 µg ml-1. The amount of eight elements was determined and was in the order: Mn > Cu > Fe > Zn. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicate that J. regia flower has remarkable antihemolytic activity, which maybe result of its high phenol and flavonoid contents, especially quercetin.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of egg yolk: a comparison between organic and machine made.

OBJECTIVES: Yolk composition may be influenced by the bird's dietary intake. Quality of egg yolk from different sources is also varied. Especially egg yolk from organic sources, those prepared by the hen and duck were naturally fed. Traditional medicine users in north of Iran believe the oil extracted by direct heat from egg yolk has analgesic activity. In this work anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of organic and machine made hen yolk and duck yolk were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three various sources of egg yolk (organic hens, duck and machine made) were chosen. Each yolk was extracted by two methods, solvent extraction (hexane) and direct heating. In order to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, carageenan, hot plate and writhing tests were carried out. RESULTS: The organic hen and duck oil extracted by direct heat method showed the highest activity compared to other types. Organic sources may contain some special components which are not existed in machine made eggs. Oil samples obtained by direct heat from three different kinds of egg yolk showed significant anti-inflammatory activity at 100-300 mg/kg compared to controls (p < 0.001). All samples indicated analgesic properties at all doses in writhing test. The highest activity was seen at 300 mg/kg of organic hen egg yolk oil prepared by heat (HO) and hexane extract of duck egg yolk (ED) which was similar to 5 mg/kg morphine (p > 0.001). In hot plate test all of the oil samples did not show significant difference with controls. Hexane extract of organic egg yolk (EO) (300 mg/kg) and ED (200 and 300 mg/kg) showed significant analgesic activity in hot plate test. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms anti-inflammatory and analgesic scheme of yolk. We can also claim environmental and dietary condition is very important in yolk contents. In order to improve life quality of human beings and better efficiency for egg yolk components we suggest considering the way of feeding for poultry. We can propose organic yolk oil prepared by direct heat as an alternative remedy for inflammatory joint conditions.  

Hepatoprotective activity of Allium paradoxum.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies show that free radicals are important mediators of hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride. Allium (A.) paradoxum showed antioxidant and antihemolytic activities. This work was conduct to determine the possible protective effect of this plant against hepatotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subcutaneous injection of 3 ml/kg carbon tetrachloride diluted in olive oil (1:1 dilution) was employed for inducing acute liver toxicity. The protective effect of aerial parts and bulbs of A. paradoxum at flowering stage were determined. RESULTS: Both aerial parts and bulbs extracts at the doses 500 and 750 mg/kg, i.p. offered significant hepatoprotective effect by reducing the serum marker enzymes, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Histopathological studies further confirmed the hepatoprotective activity of aerial parts and bulbs extracts when compared with the CCl4 treated groups. CONCLUSION: Extracts of A. paradoxum showed significant hepatoprotective activity compared with control group.

Antioxidant and antihemolytic activities of flavonoid rich fractions of Artemisia tschernieviana Besser.

OBJECTIVES: Artemisia (Asteraceae) contains more than 400 species. Many of the plants belonging to this genus are known to possess biological properties. In this study, antioxidant and antihemolytic activities of flavonoid rich fractions of A. tschernieviana Besser were evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Plant aerial parts were extracted with 60% acetone. Extract was fractionated sequentially with hexane (HE), ethyl acetate (EA) and water (AQ). Antioxidant and antihemolytic activities of these fractions were assessed. Their antihemolytic activity was determined by H2O2 and cumene hydroperoxide induced hemolysis models. RESULTS: AQ fraction showed very powerful activity in 1,1-disphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity with IC50 = 0.12 +/- 0.01 microg ml(-1) that was better than controls (vitamin C, quercetin and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)). This fraction showed very powerful reducing power assay that was better than vitamin C (p < 0.01). EA fraction showed higher activity in scavenging nitric oxide with IC50 = 0.14 +/- 0.04 microg ml(-1). In iron chelating activity HE fraction showed the best activity (IC50 = 162.2 +/- 8.7 microg ml(-1)). In scavenging of hydrogen peroxide, AQ fraction showed better activity than control group. This fraction had higher phenol and flavonoid contents. EA fraction showed higher antihemolytic activity with IC50 = 728.8 +/- 29 microg ml(-1). CONCLUSIONS: The fractions show very good activities in studied models. Aqueous fractions showed better activity than the others in nearly all tested models. These results can be useful as a starting point of view for further applications of A. tschernieviana aerial parts or its constituents in pharmaceutical preparations after performing clinical in vivo researches.

Antioxidant activity of polyphenol and ultrasonic extracts from fruits of Crataegus pentagyna subsp. elburensis.

The effects of two extracting methods on the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of Crataegus pentagyna subsp. elburensis Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd fruit extracts were investigated. Antioxidant activities of polyphenol (PP) fraction and ultrasonic (US) extraction were evaluated with four different in vitro antioxidant tests. IC(50) for DPPH radical-scavenging activity was 32.2 ± 1.6 for PP fraction and 36.7 ± 1.5 µg mL(-1) for US extract. Reducing powers of extracts increased with the increase of their concentrations. PP fraction exhibited high reducing power at 2-32 µg mL(-1). Extracts exhibited good H(2)O(2) radical scavenging and Fe(2+) chelating ability. Their high phenolic and flavonoid contents could be responsible for their antioxidant activity and pharmacologic actions.

Antinociceptive activity and effect of methanol extract of Salvia limbata on withdrawal syndrome in mice.

OBJECTIVES: Salvia (S.) is an important genus consisting of about 900 species in the Lamiaceae family. They are several reports that some Salvia spp. has effects on the central nervous system (CNS). The present experiments were undertaken to study the protective effect of S. limbata on the development of dependence to morphine in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Antinociceptive activity of aerial parts of S. limbata was investigated using the hot plate method. In addition, the effect of its aerial parts on morphine dependence was investigated in mice. After induction of dependence by morphine, different concentrations of plant aerial parts extract were injected to treated groups. To assess morphine withdrawal, mice were injected naloxone (5 mg/kg) i.p. on the 5th day. After four consecutive days of morphine injection, withdrawal syndrome was assessed by placing each mouse in a 30 cm high glass box and recording the frequency of escape jumps for 60 minutes. RESULTS: Animal receiving acute treatment with morphine displayed dependence. The animals treated with different extract concentrations could decrease frequency of escape jumps in number or decrease development of morphine dependence. Addiction was observed following naloxone administration. Methanol extract of S. limbata produced a statistically significant inhibition of pain induced by hot plate latency at 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg i.p. A significant increase in pain threshold was observed after 30 and 60 min (p < 0.001). The activity was comparable to that of morphine (30 mg kg(-1) i.p., p > 0.05). The anti-nociceptive activity of S. limbata increased until the 60th min (p < 0.05 compared to morphine). CONCLUSIONS: S. limbata extract produced statistically significant inhibition of pain and development of morphine dependence in mice.

Pharmacological activities of Hypericum scabrum L.

OBJECTIVES: Hypericum spp. (H.) has been used in traditional medicine for their sedative effect for many years. In spite of many works on this genus, little is known about H. scabrum. In this work antidepressant and its protective effect against hypoxia-induced lethality were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antidepressant and its protective effects against hypoxia-induced lethality were evaluated. Antidepressant activity was determined by forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Antihypoxic activities were determined by asphytic, haemic and circulatory hypoxia models in mice. Also, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and cumene hydroperoxide (CuOOH) induced hemolysis also were investigated. RESULTS: At all tested doses H. scabrum significantly and dose dependently reduced the immobility periods in FST and TST. Also, extract showed statistically significant antihypoxic activities in three asphytic, haemic and circulatory hypoxia models in mice. The extract showed moderately good scavenging activity with IC50 = 518.8 +/- 20.7 microg ml(-1). Extract inhibited significantly CuOOH induced hemolysis in red blood cells (RBC). CONCLUSIONS: H. scabrum aqueous extract showed remarkable antihypoxic and antidepressant effects thus, lend pharmacological justification to the use of the plant extract by traditional medicine practitioners. Mechanism of antidepressant activity of extract may be through nitric oxide pathway.