Deaddicta® for maintenance treatment of Opioid-dependence: A six-month follow-up.

Background: Opioid dependence, is one of the world's most critical health problems. Deaddicta is a herbal product considered an effective treatment for opioid addiction. Deaddicta's efficacy in the maintenance treatment of patients with opioid use disorder has recently been demonstrated through a double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT). This study aimed to evaluate the permanence of Deaddicta's efficacy six months after the end of the maintenance treatment for opioid dependence. Methods: This study was performed following the previous RCT on the maintenance treatment of opioid addicts. Out of 41 participants who completed the study for three months in the previous research, 15 from the intervention group (Deaddicta capsules, 1500 mg/day) returned for follow-up. They all previously fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for addiction, were aged 18 to 65, and had discontinued Deaddicta for six months. The outcome measures included addiction severity, depression and anxiety levels, and craving score. The scores of each parameter were compared in three phases: before intervention; after three months of intervention; and six months after the end of the study. Results: Depression, anxiety, and craving scores decreased six months after the end of the previous study. This decrease was significant in the craving score (P = 0.011). No significant increase was observed in the frequency of use. The regression analysis showed a negative relationship between craving and the progression of phases. Conclusion: The Deaddicta product may have desirable and effective properties in decreasing temptation and, as a result, the maintenance treatment of opioid dependence.

Efficacy of topical galbanum oil with dry cupping in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A randomized open-label clinical trial.

Objective: This study was designed to detect the therapeutic effects of galbanum oil plus dry cupping (a Persian medicine-based method) in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 60 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with positive polymerase chain reaction test (PCR), pulmonary involvement and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) ≤93 mmHg, were randomly assigned into two groups to take the standard therapeutic regimen alone or alongside cupping and topical galbanum oil (Ferula gommosa oleo-gum resin) for 3-5 days. The SpO2 level, the severity of signs and symptoms of patients and laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups. Results: Fifty-eight patients were analyzed. The SpO2 level changed from 89.27±3.82 to 90.29±3.09 mmHg (p=0.038) in control group, while it increased from 88.74±3.45 to 94.23±2.1 mmHg (<0.001) in galbanum group with a significant difference between the groups (p<0.001). Fever, cough, dyspnea, and anorexia alleviated in the galbanum group more than the control (p=0.003, 0.001, 0.01, and 0.04, respectively). No adverse effects were reported due to galbanum oil and cupping therapy. Conclusion: Dry cupping with galbanum oil alongside the routine therapeutic regimen could be more effective than the routine therapeutic regimen alone for improving SpO2 level and alleviating fever, cough, and dyspnea in COVID-19 patients.

Kinase inhibitors: Opportunities for small molecule anticancer immunotherapies.

As the fifth pillar of cancer treatment, immunotherapy has dramatically changed the paradigm of therapeutic strategies by focusing on the host's immune system. In the long road of immunotherapy development, the identification of immune-modulatory effects for kinase inhibitors opened a new chapter in this therapeutic approach. These small molecule inhibitors not only directly eradicate tumors by targeting essential proteins of cell survival and proliferation but can also drive immune responses against malignant cells. This review summarizes the current standings and challenges of kinase inhibitors in immunotherapy, either as a single agent or in a combined modality.

Almond intake during pregnancy in rats improved the cognitive performance of adult male offspring.

Background: Based on evidence there are accepted links among early nutrition, epigenetic processes, and cognitive performance. Almond as a nutritious food could exert neuroprotective effects and improve anxiety, learning, and memory.Methods: In the current study, female rats were fed with a diet containing 5% (w/w) almonds during the mating period (two days) and gestation period (21 consecutive days). Then, the effect of the almond diet on short-term memory (Y maze), anxiety (elevated plus maze), and stress adaptation (forced swimming test) were investigated in the adult male offspring. The hippocampus (HIP), prefrontal cortex (PFC), and amygdala (AMY) of offspring were collected, and the level of cyclic AMP response element-binding proteins (CREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was assessed by western blotting. Also, Monoamine oxidases (MAO)-A and B activity were evaluated via enzymatic assays.Results: Our results indicated that prenatal almond consumption improved memory, made a modest reduction in anxiety-like behavior, and increased stress adaptation in adult male offspring. Also, molecular assessments showed an increased level of CREB phosphorylation and BDNF in the HIP and PFC of the almond group, while the activity of MAO-A and MAO-B was inhibited by almond consumption in mentioned areas.Discussion: These findings introduce almonds as a beneficial diet during pregnancy, for improving short-term memory, stress adaptation, and cognitive performance in adult offspring.

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of whole pomegranate fruit on cariogenic bacteria and its clinical effect on dental plaque formation in 8-10-year-old children.

Background: This study aimed to assess the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of the whole pomegranate fruit on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) and its clinical effect on dental plaque formation in 8-10-year-old children. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in two phases of in vitro and clinical trial. In the in vitro phase, the antibacterial effect of 50%-50% hydroalcoholic extract of whole pomegranate fruit on S. mutans and L. acidophilus was assessed by the disc diffusion test. In the double-blind cross-over clinical trial phase, 14 children between 8 and 10 years were randomly assigned to two groups of 38% pomegranate mouthwash and 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) after assessing their baseline dental plaque by oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S). The children were asked not to use any other plaque control measure during the study. Their OHI-S score was measured again after 5 and 14 days using disclosing tablets. Data were analyzed by t-test and paired t-test at 0.05 level of significance. Results: The hydroalcoholic extract of pomegranate showed a positive antibacterial effect on S. mutans and L. acidophilus. However, its inhibitory effect was significantly lower than that of 0.12% CHX (P < 0.05). None of the tested mouthwashes inhibited plaque formation, but pomegranate mouthwash and CHX decreased the OHI-S score by 34% and 36%, respectively (P < 0.05), with no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The whole pomegranate fruit hydroalcoholic extract showed significant inhibitory effects on S. mutans and L. acidophilus. Furthermore, 38% pomegranate mouthwash had a comparable efficacy to CHX in the reduction of dental plaque.

Plants from Genus Dracocephalum in Iran: Pharmacology and Phytochemistry Overview.

BACKGROUND: Genus Dracocephalum belongs to the Lamiaceae family, representing 11 species in Iran, containing D. ghahremanii Jamzad, D. lindbergii Rech. F, D. oligadenium Bornm. & Gauba, D. kotschyi Boiss., D.multicaule, D.Aucheri, D.Subcapitatum, D.Thymifolium, D.Moldavica, D. polychaetum Borm, and D. surmandinum Rech.f. The current study aimed to investigate the morphological and phytochemical properties of Dracocephalum species in Iran and their pharmacological effects. METHODS: The search was restricted to scientific articles from PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, SpringerLink, and Scopus. The search was limited to scientific journals, books, and book chapters focusing on the medicinal properties of Dracocephalum in Iran for the era from 1993 to 2020. RESULTS: Findings show that Dracocephalum species were utilized to treat various disorders in traditional medicine. Phytochemical studies show that the main constituents isolated from the plant consist of lignans, phytosterol, flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, Sesquiterpenes, and oxygenated and hydro carbonated monoterpenes. These main components are responsible for antihyperlipidemic, antimicrobial, anticancer, antispasmodic, antioxidant, and cardiovascular effects of the plant. CONCLUSION: This plant has a good potential for drug discovery and curing different diseases. Therefore, more research will be done on the Iranian species of Dracocephalum based on clinical and animal studies to develop an effective drug formulation.

Factors affecting medication adherence among older adults using tele-pharmacy services: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Medication adherence among older adults (aged 60 and above), particularly those with chronic conditions who take several medications, is critical, and tele-pharmacy services are a way to improve medication adherence. This study sought to determine the factors influencing medication adherence (MA) in older adults using tele-pharmacy services. METHOD: The Joana Briggs Institute scoping review methodology was implemented. Searches were conducted in databases PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Embase from 2000 to the present day, to identify both qualitative and quantitative studies focusing on the use of tele-pharmacy by older people. Factors impacting MA were extracted and analyzed into themes using a qualitative approach. A concept map was also designed summarising these factors. RESULTS: Of 7495 articles obtained in the initial search, 52 articles met the inclusion criteria. The analysis resulted in 5 themes and 21 sub-themes representing factors that impacted MA with tele-pharmacy. These themes are divided broadly into technology and user related factors. Technology factors included design of the tele-pharmacy intervention, commercial aspects, and adherence measurement method. User factors included user-health constraints, behaviors and perceptions. CONCLUSION: Industry, policymakers, and stakeholders should consider using tele-pharmacy services for improving medication adherence among older adults; however, ensuring interventions facilitate communication between patients and health care teams, and are accompanied by user training and support, is essential for technology uptake and effectiveness.

Synergistic effects of Nepeta menthoides and Melissa officinalis aqueous extracts on reserpine-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice.

Nepeta menthoides Boiss. & Buhse and Melissa officinalis are extensively used in Persian medicine for the treatment of depression. Considering the active ingredients and main phenolic compounds of these plants and possible synergistic effects, this study examined the antidepressant and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract of N. menthoides (NM) and M. officinalis (MO) in reserpinized mice alone and combination. Mice were pretreated orally for 1-week with normal saline (10 ml/kg), fluoxetine (20 mg/kg), imipramine (10 mg/kg), NM (50-100-200-400 mg/kg), MO (150-350-550-750 mg/kg), and combination (NM 50 with MO 150 mg/kg). The behavioral changes were evaluated using forced swim, tail suspension, and open field tests, 24 hr after reserpine injection (4 mg/kg) on eighth day. The amounts of active components in the extracts and catalase (CAT) as a brain oxidative stress were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data showed that this combination produced a synergistic action on behaviors and a significant increase in CAT activity. High-performance liquid chromatography results showed that rosmarinic acid contents in MO and NM were 6.42 ± 1.1 and 11.03 ± 2.16 mg/g of dried extract, respectively. Total flavonoid and phenolic contents of MO were higher than NM. The findings suggest that the present combination produces an antidepressant-like effect, which is possibly triggered by its antioxidant properties.

Preliminary results of effect of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) extract on liver, pancreas, kidneys and cardiac tissues in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications impose a significant burden on patients and the health care system. In the Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM), barley is recommended for treatment of DM. This study sought to assess the effect of barley seed aqueous extract on hepatic, pancreatic, renal and cardiac tissues in normal (non-diabetic) and Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Twenty-one male Wistar rats were randomly divided into diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin. After one week, the diabetic and non-diabetic groups were randomly divided into control and barley seed extract subgroups namely N group (non-diabetic control rats), S group (seed extract treated non-diabetic rats), D group (diabetic control rats) and DS group (seed extract treated diabetic rats). After 6 weeks, all rats were sacrificed for histopathological analysis and specimens were stained routinely for histological studies. The abnormal histological signs significantly decreased in the DS group compared to D group. Also, protective effects of barley seed extract against histopathological changes were seen in S group compared to N group.These findings suggest that barley seed extract exerts a protective effect on different tissues in diabetes.

Anti-inflammatory activity of a natural herbal-marine drug (MS14 - SANT and SUSP) compared to sodium salicylate or methylprednisolone in a rat model for multiple sclerosis.

A natural compound of marine herbal origin has been used in Persian Traditional Medicine to relieve some symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of a patented extracts of the traditional receipt (MS14). In this preliminary experiment, we used seven groups of six rats: the control group received vehicle, the two positive control groups were treated with either sodium salicylate (300 mg/kg) intraperitoneal (i.p.) or methyl prednisolon (MPN 10 mg/kg) i.p., while the test groups were treated with a solution centrifuged MS14 (SANT 100 mg/kg) and suspension of MS14 (SUSP 100, 150, 300 mg/kg) i.p. After thirty minutes, paw volume was measured by plethysmometer and immediately formalin solution was injected subcutaneously into the hind paw and after an hour, inflamed paw volume was measured. In days 2-8, the inflamed paw volume was measured and immediately drugs were injected i.p. The anti-inflammatory effect of MPN was significant only on days 5 and 6. The anti-inflammatory effect of SS was significant only on the 6th day, while the anti-inflammatory effect of SANT MS14 (100 mg/kg) was also significant only on the 6th day. SUSP MS14 (150 mg/kg) significantly reduced edema from second to 6th day. Intra-peritoneal injection of SUSP MS14 with 300 mg/kg was toxic, so excluded from the study. This research indicates that the MS14 possesses an anti-inflammatory effect after intra-peritoneal administration. Comparative anti-inflammatory effects of MS14 with Glucocorticoids in this study, may justify a possible mechanism for its action in multiple sclerosis, if further studies will provid strong statistically confirmatory effects in animals and safety human trials.

Efficacy of Plantago major seed in management of ulcerative colitis symptoms: A randomized, placebo controlled, clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the effect of Plantago major (P. major) seed on ulcerative colitis (UC) symptoms. METHODS: In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, 61 subjects received 3600 mg/day roasted P. major seed in intervention group (n = 31) and roasted wheat flour in control group (n = 30), for 8 weeks, as a complementary to standard medications. Variables were assessed using the Lichtiger Colitis Activity Index (LCAI) at baseline, week 4, and week 8. RESULTS: 51 patients completed the trial (n = 28 in Plantago and n = 23 in placebo groups). Abdominal tenderness (p = 0.011), gastroesophageal reflux and gastric pain (p = 0.049 for both), were significantly less severe in P. major group. Visible blood in stool (p = 0.001), distension (p = 0.001), and anal pain (p = 0.051), decreased significantly in P. major group, although no significant difference was observed between the two groups: (p = 0.224), (p = 0.283), and (p = 0.455) respectively. CONCLUSION: P. major seems to be effective in complementary management of UC.

The Effect of Myrtus communis Aqueous Extract-Containing Gel on Wound Healing in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: The medicinal plant Myrtus communis L. (Myrtle) has properties, including anti-inflammatory and wound healing in Persian Medicine. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the wound healing potential of the local application of a gel containing aqueous extract of the plant berry in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Seven days after diabetes establishment, full-thickness excision skin wounds were made in normal and diabetic rats where treated groups received topical application of a gel containing 6% aqueous extract of myrtle berries for 3 weeks. The rate of wound healing and the level of epidermal and dermal maturation in the wound tissue were determined. RESULTS: The results showed that after 3 and 7 days of wound injury, the gel significantly improved wound healing by accelerating epidermal and dermal maturation in diabetic rats with no significant effect in the control group. However, the wounds of all groups almost completely healed after 3 weeks. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that aqueous extract of myrtle possesses a definite wound healing potential in diabetic conditions. The present findings may suggest the use of topical myrtle berries aqueous extract gel 6% to treat and manage intractable diabetic wounds.

CDK12: a potential therapeutic target in cancer.

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 12 engages in diversified biological functions, from transcription, post-transcriptional modification, cell cycle, and translation to cellular proliferation. Moreover, it regulates the expression of cancer-related genes involved in DNA damage response (DDR) and replication, which are responsible for maintaining genomic stability. CDK12 emerges as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in different cellular contexts, where its dysregulation results in tumorigenesis. Current CDK12 inhibitors are nonselective, which impedes the process of pharmacological target validation and drug development. Herein, we discuss the latest understanding of the biological roles of CDK12 in cancers and provide molecular analyses of CDK12 inhibitors to guide the rational design of selective inhibitors.

A double-blind, randomized pilot study for comparison of Melissa officinalis L. and Lavandula angustifolia Mill. with Fluoxetine for the treatment of depression.

BACKGROUND: Depression has rapidly progressed worldwide, and the need for an efficient treatment with low side effect has risen. Melissa officinalis L and Lavandula angustifolia Mill have been traditionally used in Asia for the treatment of depression. Many textbooks of traditional Persian medicine refer to these herbs for the treatment of depression while there are no adequate clinical trials to support this claim. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of M. officinalis and L. angustifolia compared to fluoxetine for the treatment of mild to moderate depression in an 8-week randomized, double-blind clinical trial. METHODS: Forty-five adult outpatients who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) for major depression, were randomly assigned to 3 groups to daily receive either M. officinalis (2 g) or L. angustifolia (2 g) or fluoxetine (20 mg) and were assessed in weeks 0, 2, 4 and 8 by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) including 17 items. RESULTS: Our study showed that M. officinalis and L. angustifolia effect similar to fluoxetine in mild to moderate depression. (F = 0.131, df = 2,42, p = 0.877). CONCLUSION: Due to some restrictions in this study including absence of placebo group, large-scale trials are needed to investigate the anti-depressant effect of these two herbs with more details. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT2014061718126N1 . Registration date: 2015-06-04-"Retrospectively registered".

Cost-utility analysis of factor VIII diet therapies prepared using blood plasma vs. recombinant technique for patients with hemophilia A.

BACKGROUND: Hemophilia is known as one of the most common coagulation disorders whose treatment costs are particularly high in developing countries, and about 90% of them are related to factor VIII (FVIII) and direct medical costs (DMCs). Thus, the present study aimed to analyze cost-utility of two FVIII diet therapies prepared using blood plasma and recombinant technique. METHODS: This study was an economic evaluation fulfilled through a cost-utility approach. To this end, a total number of 120 patients were randomly selected using Krejcie & Morgan's Table and then received blood plasma and recombinant FVIII. The decision tree structure was also utilized to estimate economic and clinical outcomes. Moreover, costs were reviewed from societal perspective. Quality-adjusted life year (QALY) was subsequently determined as the measure of effectiveness (MOE). Besides, one-way (univariate) sensitivity analysis was performed to quantify uncertainty effects of the study parameters. The information was ultimately analyzed using the TreeAge Pro 2011 and the Microsoft Office Excel 2010 software. RESULTS: The results revealed that the recombinant diet therapy had higher costs and effectiveness compared with blood-plasma-derived FVIII, so that the mean costs of these two diet therapies were equal to 37,624 and 20,349 purchasing power parity (PPP) $ with utility scores of 0.78 and 0.62; respectively. Since the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for the recombinant medications was over three times of the threshold level, it was considered as overwhelming because of its high cost in spite of its better effectiveness. Moreover, the results of one-way (univariate) sensitivity analysis demonstrated the highest sensitivity to the utility in patients who had been injected with blood-plasma-derived FVIII and had been successfully treated. CONCLUSION: The study results revealed that FVIII prepared using blood plasma for hemophilia A patients had higher cost-effectiveness compared with that made using recombinant technique. Graphical abstract.

A Comprehensive Insight Towards Pharmaceutical Aspects of Graphene Nanosheets.

Graphene Derivatives (GDs) have captured the interest and imagination of pharmaceutical scientists. This review exclusively provides pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics information with a particular focus on biopharmaceuticals. GDs can be used as multipurpose pharmaceutical delivery systems due to their ultra-high surface area, flexibility, and fast mobility of charge carriers. Improved effects, targeted delivery to tissues, controlled release profiles, visualization of biodistribution and clearance, and overcoming drug resistance are examples of the benefits of GDs. This review focuses on the application of GDs for the delivery of biopharmaceuticals. Also, the pharmacokinetic properties and the advantage of using GDs in pharmaceutics will be reviewed to achieve a comprehensive understanding about the GDs in pharmaceutical sciences.

Daily Consumption of Caper Fruit Along With Atorvastatin Has Synergistic Effects in Hyperlipidemic Patients: Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia leads to micro- and macro-vascular complications. Atorvastatin is the main therapeutic drug used for dyslipidemia, but it causes side effects such as new type 2 diabetes mellitus onset and elevation of liver enzymes. Herbs may be useful in reducing atorvastatin doses. Caper fruit, an herbal drug in Persian Medicine, has hypolipidemic effects. Hence, the effect of atorvastatin therapy with and without daily caper fruit pickle (CFP) consumption was assessed on hyperlipidemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial, 60 hyperlipidemic patients were allocated in two groups and treated with 10 mg atorvastatin plus 40-50 g CFP (A10+CFP) or atorvastatin alone (A10) for eight weeks. Biochemical parameters were measured at baseline, 4, and eight weeks of the intervention. One-way repeated measure ANOVA and mixed ANOVA were used to measure the effect of the two treatments and the interaction between the type of treatment and time on lipid profile. RESULTS: Serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly decreased in the A10+CFP group compared with the A10 group (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively) from baseline up to the week 8. At week 4, mean changes of LDL-C was significantly higher in the A10+CFP compared with the A10 (P=0.01). Adjusting for the baseline variables, the mean difference of alanine aminotransferase (P<0.01) and triglyceride (P=0.003) were significantly higher in the A10+CFP group at the end. CONCLUSION: This study reports that the intake of CFP along with atorvastatin daily may have synergistic effects which improve the lipid profile in hyperlipidemic patients.

Effect of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) on Sexual Dysfunction in Women: A Double- blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study.

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is the most prevalent female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and its bio-psychosocial multifactorial etiology justifies its multifaceted treatment. In Persian Medicine (PM), the weakness of the main organs (heart, brain and liver) is one of the important causes of lack of sexual desire; hence, their strengthening is a priority during treatment. Melissa officinalis is one of the medicinal plants with tonic characteristics for the main organs in PM and was used for treatment in this study. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of M. officinalis in the improvement of HSDD in women. Eighty nine (89) eligible women suffering from decreased sexual desire were randomly assigned to groups. The participants received medication (500 mg of aqueous extract of M. officinalis) or placebo 2 times a day for 4 weeks. Changes in scores of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain were evaluated at the end of 4 weeks of treatment using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire in the two groups. Forty three participants completed the study. The increase in desire (P < 0.001), arousal (P < 0.001), lubrication (P < 0.005), orgasm (P < 0.001), satisfaction (P < 0.001), pain (P < 0.002) and FSFI total score (P < 0.001) in the M. officinalis group was significantly more than that of the placebo group. The willingness to continue treatment was significantly higher in the M. officinalis as compared to the placebo group (P < 0.001). M. officinalis may be a safe and effective herbal medicine for the improvement of HSDD in women.

Effect of Nepeta bracteata Benth. on allergic rhinitis symptoms: A randomized double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the health problems in the world. It is necessary to develop new treatment procedure for control of this disease. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Zofa (Nepeta bracteata Benth) on AR patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial study, 71 patients (37 patients in treatment and 34 in placebo group) participated. In treatment group, N. bracteata syrup (NBS) was used for 4 weeks as three times a day. The efficacy of the drug regarding AR symptoms (rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal obstruction, itchy nose, and ocular symptoms) were evaluated through a visual analog scale (VAS) by 0-10 before administration and at the end of the whole treatment period. The collected information was entered in the SPSS software (version 18) and was analyzed using the Fisher's exact test, Chi-square test, independent sample t-test, and paired sample test. RESULTS: The improvement of AR symptoms in the group receiving NBS was significantly higher compared to control group (4.73 ± 1.84 vs. 0.38 ± 2.06; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the mean of total VAS before and after the treatment (in case group) was 7.10 ± 1.92 and 2.37 ± 1.76, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that N. bracteata has significant effects on improving the symptoms of AR. Hence, it can be a good alternative to AR symptoms relief.

Functionalized Graphene Oxide with Chitosan for Protein Nanocarriers to Protect against Enzymatic Cleavage and Retain Collagenase Activity.

Proteins have short half-life because of enzymatic cleavage. Here, a new protein nanocarrier made of graphene oxide (GO) + Chitosan (CS) is proposed to successfully prevent proteolysis in protein and simultaneously retain its activity. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and collagenase were loaded on GO and GO-CS to explore the stability and activity of proteins. SEM, AFM, TEM, DSC, UV-Vis, FT-IR, RBS, Raman, SDS-PAGE and zymography were utilized as characterization techniques. The protecting role of GO and GO-CS against enzymatic cleavage was probed by protease digestion analysis on BSA, where the protease solution was introduced to GO-BSA and GO-CS-BSA at 37 °C for 0.5-1-3-6 hours. Characterizations showed the successful synthesis of few layers of GO and the coverage by CS. According to gelatin zymographic analysis, the loaded collagenase on GO and GO-CS lysed the gelatin and created non-staining bands which confirmed the activity of loaded collagenase. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed no significant change in the intact protein in the GO-BSA and GO-CS-BSA solution after 30-minute and 1-hour exposure to protease; however, free BSA was completely digested after 1 hour. After 6 hours, intact proteins were detected in GO-BSA and GO-CS-BSA solutions, while no intact protein was detected in the free BSA solution.