Evaluation of platelet-rich fibrin matrix combined with PGE-1 injection on erectile function in patients with refractory response to PDE5-I: a randomized placebo-controlled study.

PURPOSE: We studied the effect of a platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) combined with prostaglandin E-1 (PGE-1) injection on erectile function in patients refractory to response for phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is). METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 80 patients. The patients were randomly assigned to four groups and blinded together with the administrating physicians to the nature of the intracorporeal injection (ICI) therapies. Group (1) received saline, group (2) received platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM), group (3) received prostaglandin E-1 (PGE-1), and group (4) received a combination of PRFM + PGE-1. The patients received ICI therapy weekly for 8 consecutive weeks. Clinical information and follow-up data were obtained at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: A significant increase occurred in the validated Arabic version of the International Index of Erectile Function (ArIIEF-5) score in group (4) compared to the other three groups (p value = 0.037). There was a significant difference in erection hardness scale (EHS) scores among all groups after receiving the different treatments (p = 0.004). A significant increase was seen in the ArIIEF-5 score in groups 4 and 3 compared to that in groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.001). There was also a significant increase in the arterial dilatation % in groups 4 and 3 compared to that in groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: The combination of PRFM plus PGE-1 had shown significant improvement in the ArIIEF-5 score, yet the patients still had mild to moderate ED.

Enhancing effect of oregano essential oil and Bacillus subtilis on broiler immune function, intestinal morphology and growth performance.

The present study evaluated the effect of two categories of feed additives on chicken performance through immunological and intestinal histo-morphometric measurements. A total of 150 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb) were randomly assigned to three groups. Group I received a non-supplemented basal diet. While groups II and III were treated with a basal diet supplemented with oregano essential oil (OEO) and Bacillus subtilis, respectively, in water for 28 days. Blood samples were taken at 6, 18 and 28 days for hematological analysis, phagocytosis, lymphocyte proliferation and measuring antibody responses. Additionally, growth performance indices were recorded weekly. The results showed that groups supplemented with OEO and B. subtilis improved growth performance expressed by a significant increase in weight gain (P < 0.05), with a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR). Hematological findings indicated a significant increase in blood parameters as well as a significant increase in phagocytic % & phagocytic index at all time points with a greater probiotic effect. On the other hand, OEO produced a significant increase in lymphocyte proliferation at 18 & 28 days. Humoral immunity revealed a significant increase in serum antibody titer phytobiotic & probiotic-fed groups at time points of 18 & 28 days with a superior phytobiotic effect. The histological examination showed a significant increase in villi length, villi width, crypt depth & V/C ratio. In conclusion, these results indicated positive effects of B. subtilis & OEO on both growth and immunity and could be considered effective alternatives to the antibiotic.

Body Mass Index as a Major Prognostic Contributing Factor in COVID-19: A Multicentral Egyptian Study.

Background: Extreme body mass index (BMI) is an influential pathophysiological risk factor for serious illnesses following lower respiratory tract infection. The purpose of the current study was to examine how the BMI of Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients affects their prognosis. Methods: Two hundred patients with COVID-19 admitted to Al-Azhar, Qena, Aswan, and Sohag University hospitals in Egypt were included and categorized into four groups according to their BMI. The diagnosis was made according to a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) positive result for the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in swabs from upper respiratory tract. A detailed history, clinical examination, and outcomes (disease severity and complications, hospital stay, ICU admission, mortality) were recorded for all patients. SPSS version 24 software was used for data analysis. Results: Average age of participants (19-90 years old), 92 (46%) males and 108 females (54%). ICU admission was significantly higher among underweight patients (75%) and obese patients (78.6%). The majority of underweight (62.5%) and obese (57.1%) patients had critical disease. Invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) is frequently used in underweight (50%) and obese patients (42.9%) patients. Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), cardiac, neurological, and hematological complications, and incidence of myalgia and bed sores were most frequent among obese and overweight patients. Acute kidney injury was significantly higher among underweight patients (37.5%) and obese patients (28.6%) than among other classes (p=0.004). Frequency of endocrine complications was significantly higher in underweight patients than that in other classes (p=0.01). The majority of underweight (75%) and obese patients (50%) deteriorated and died, whereas the majority of normal-weight patients (90.3%) and overweight patients (75.8%) improved and were discharged (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Body mass index is a major contributing factor to the outcome of patients with COVID-19, and patients with extreme of body mass index were associated with the worst prognosis.

Intraventricular sizeable colloid cyst with atypical radiological features: A case report and evidence-based review.

Colloid cysts are benign intracranial lesions, typically located in the anterior portion of the third ventricle near the interventricular foramina of Monro. The cysts usually consist of an epithelial lining filled with viscous gelatinous material of various components. Colloid cysts are generally asymptomatic, but once symptomatic, they can present in a variety of ways, including headaches, vomiting, visual and memory problems, and vertigo. Colloid cysts present classically on imaging as a well-delineated hyperattenuating lesion on unenhanced radiological modalities. Herein, we report a case of a patient who presented with hydrocephalus caused by a sizeable colloid cyst which demonstrated atypical imaging findings in the form of hypodensity on CT and hyperintensity on T2WI, making them difficult to identify and easy to miss. Although this atypical imaging appearance is uncommon with yet unknown true incidence, it is prudent to be aware of it because early management of colloid cysts has a favorable outcome, in contrast to untreated cysts that are associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive, evidence-based review of the medical entity of intracranial colloid cysts with highlights of current postulated pathological theories and management algorithms.

Association between Genetic Polymorphisms in MicroRNAs 196a2 (rs11614913) and 34 b/c (rs4938723) and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Egyptian Patients.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer with substantial cancer-related deaths worldwide. Deregulation of some genetic polymorphisms has been identified in HCC. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to demonstrate the frequency of miRNA 196a2 rs11614913 and miRNA 34 b/c rs4938723 gene polymorphisms in HCC patients and their correlation with the clinical features and laboratory findings at diagnosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was performed on 40 patients with newly diagnosed HCC and 40 patients with liver cirrhosis in addition to 40 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Detection of miRNA 196a2 rs11614913 and miRNA 34 b/c rs4938723 gene polymorphisms was determined by PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: HCC patients had significantly higher frequency of miR-196-2a rs11614913 CC genotype when compared with cirrhotic patients (60.0 % versus 30.0 %, p=0.013). In spite of the fact that HCC patients also had higher frequency of miR-196-2a rs11614913 CC genotype in comparison to controls, the difference fell short of statistical significance (60.0 % versus 42.5 %, p=0.18). No significant differences were found between the studied groups regarding the frequency of miR-196-2a alleles. miR34 b/c rs4938723 CC genotype was the only identified genotype in all participants in the three studied groups. No significant associations were found between the different clinical and laboratory variables and genotypic variations in HCC patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified miR-196a2 rs11614913 CC genotype as a risk factor for HCC development while we failed to document similar relation for miR-34b/c rs4938723 polymorphism.

Effects of smartphone screen viewing duration and body position on head and neck posture in elementary school children.

BACKGROUND: Electronic media have become integral parts of modern life, in which prolonged screen viewing time (SVT) by children is nearly unavoidable. Prolonged use of smartphones could lead to musculoskeletal problems. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of SVT on head and neck posture during and after using smartphones for various periods of time in either standing or sitting postures. METHODS: This observational study included 34 male children aged 5-12 years who were assigned to one of two groups based on average smartphone use duration per day: group A comprised 18 children averaging > 4 hours per day (h/day) of smartphone use, and group B comprised 16 children with < 4 h/day of smartphone use. The children's postures were photographed in standing and sitting positions while using a smartphone and 30 min after ceasing smartphone use. The head flexion, neck flexion, gaze, and craniocervical angles were measured using the software program Kinovea. RESULTS: Significant increases were found in head flexion, neck flexion, and gaze angles. Furthermore, both groups saw a significant decrease in craniocervical angle when sitting compared to when standing, both during and 30 min after smartphone use. The head flexion, neck flexion, and gaze angles of group A were significantly higher than those of group B, and the craniocervical angle of group A was significantly lower than that of group B in both postures (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: SVT is associated with increased neck and head flexion posture in children, especially in a sitting position.

Physicians' knowledge and practice concerning diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis: The situation in Egypt.

INTRODUCTION: Early recognition of an anaphylaxis event is crucial for instituting lifesaving management. We sought to explore knowledge and practice towards anaphylaxis in a sample of physicians from ten Egyptian governorates. METHODS: An eighteen question-based questionnaire was developed by expert allergists to evaluate the knowledge and practice towards anaphylaxis, based on the World Allergy Organization guidelines for the assessment and management of anaphylaxis. The questionnaires were distributed, and the answered forms collected via emails, and data were tabulated, and analysed. RESULTS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 242 physicians completed the survey (183 (75.6%) paediatricians, 32 (13.2%) internists, 22 (9.1%) intensivists and five (2.1%) anaesthetists). Only 91 participants (37.6%) identified all the four proposed anaphylaxis clinical scenarios while 70, 45 and 36 identified three, two and one scenario, respectively. Loss of consciousness and abdominal symptoms were not recognised as possible presentations of anaphylaxis by 64.5% and 80.2% of the participants, respectively. Epinephrine was considered the first line treatment by 98 (40.5%), corticosteroids by 77 (31.8%) and antihistamines by 25 (10.3%). 75 (31%) responders identified the right dose of epinephrine while 119 (49.2%) identified the proper route. Concerning practice, 83 physicians (39.2%) used epinephrine for all cases of anaphylaxis, 88 (41.5%) used it for refractory cases only whereas 41 (19.3%) did not use epinephrine at all. DISCUSSION: Our survey shows that the knowledge of Egyptian physicians and their practice towards anaphylaxis are still inadequate. The current situation reinforces the need to disseminate and encourage the adoption of the international guidelines for anaphylaxis diagnosis and treatment.

Sexual functions of females married to males with semi-rigid penile implant: A cross-sectional study.

Erectile dysfunction is a highly prevalent disorder. It is estimated that more than 50% of men who ranged in age from 40 to 70 years old suffer from erectile dysfunction to some degree. We aimed in this pilot cross-sectional study to determine female sexual function and social satisfaction before and 6 months after penile prosthesis implant. This study was carried on 50 consecutive married women whose husbands underwent malleable penile prosthesis implant in our department from July 2015 to July 2016. Our results showed significant increase in desire, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction scores after 6 months of penile prosthesis operation compared to scores before penile prosthesis implant (p < 0.001). Moreover, our study demonstrated significant increase in lubrication score in non-female genital mutilation after penile prosthesis implant (p 0.049). In addition, the results showed inverse correlations between age and female genital mutilation and female sexual function index scores after penile prosthesis implant. On the contrary, there were no correlations between number of offsprings and residence and duration of marriage and different domains of female sexual function index scores. Finally, penile prosthesis operation for patients with erectile dysfunction has a great impact on sexual functions of their female partners. We recommend preoperative and postoperative female partner involvement as a part of the treatment strategy for men undergoing penile prosthesis implant.

Some biochemical studies on trans fatty acid-containing diet.

trans fatty acids (TFA's) are unsaturated fatty acid which have one or more double bond, they are present naturally and most of it is artificial, fried, baked food and margarine are major sources of TFA, there are several biological effects of TFAs on body health, various study showed that dietary TFA associated with various health disorders such as Diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), Obesity, breast cancer, prostatic cancer infertility, and coronary artery disease (CAD). The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2015 encourages eliminations of trans fatty acids. The diet which related to non-communicable diseases include TFA should be eliminated, WHO's European Food and Nutrition Action Plan 2015-2020 suggested that TFAs should be less than 1% of the daily energy intake include natural origin. So the aim of this review, to know more than about trans acids, their nature, sources, and their different effect on health and how can analysis it.

Nephroprotective effect of saxagliptin against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity, emphasis on anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptic effects.

Nephrotoxicity is a serious adverse effect frequently encountered with aminoglycosides administration. Given the value of aminoglycosides in management of serious infections, nephro-protection is highly recommended. The current study investigated the nephro-protective effect of saxagliptin (SAXA) (12.5 mg/kg, I.P.) against gentamicin (GEN)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. SAXA administration for 14 days conferred significant nephro-protection against GEN-induced nephrotoxicity manifested in decreased kidney/somatic index, enhanced cytoprotection and significant decrease in serum LDH activity together with functional renal improvement; significant increase in creatinine clearance with significant reduction in serum creatinine, BUN, proteinuria and albuminuria. Oxidant/antioxidants hemostasis was significantly improved with SAXA treatment with significant reduction in kidney MDA content and enhancement of GSH concentration and catalase activity. Moreover, kidney content of NO significantly declined with significant decline in kidney tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα), vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and caspase-3 content. Ultimately, SAXA administration was associated with significant attenuation of GEN-induced necrotic and inflammatory changes. In conclusion; the modulatory effect of SAXA on inflammatory cytokines, its anti-apoptic properties, ameliorative impact on oxidative load and positive impact on host antioxidant defenses accounts for the observed nephro-protective impact.

Low dosing of gonadotropins in in vitro fertilization cycles for women with poor ovarian reserve: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of low doses of gonadotropins and gonadotropins combined with oral compounds compared with high doses of gonadotropins in ovarian stimulation regimens in terms of ongoing pregnancy per fresh IVF attempt in women with poor ovarian reserve undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies that evaluate the effectiveness of low dosing of gonadotropins alone or combined with oral compounds compared with high doses of gonadotropins in women with poor ovarian reserve undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENT(S): Subfertile women with poor ovarian reserve undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment. INTERVENTION(S): We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and the Clinical Trials Registry using medical subject headings and free text terms up to June 2016, without language or year restrictions. We included randomized controlled studies (RCTs) enrolling subfertile women with poor ovarian reserve undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment and comparing low doses of gonadotropins and gonadotropins combined with oral compounds versus high doses of gonadotropins. We assessed the risk of bias using the criteria recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. We pooled the results by meta-analysis using the fixed and random effects model. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE(S): The primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy rate (PR) per woman randomized. RESULT(S): We retrieved 787 records. Fourteen RCTs (N = 2,104 women) were included in the analysis. Five studies (N = 717 women) compared low doses of gonadotropins versus high doses of gonadotropins. There was no evidence of a difference in ongoing PR (2 RCTs: risk rate 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.62-1.57, I2 = 0). Nine studies (N = 1,387 women) compared ovarian stimulation using gonadotropins combined with the oral compounds letrozole (n = 6) or clomiphene citrate (CC) (n = 3) versus high doses of gonadotropins. There was no evidence of a difference in ongoing PR (3 RCTs: risk rate 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.63-1.27, I2 = 0). CONCLUSION(S): We found no evidence of a difference in pregnancy outcomes between low doses of gonadotropins and gonadotropins combined with oral compounds compared with high doses of gonadotropins in ovarian stimulation regimens. Whether low doses of gonadotropins or gonadotropins combined with oral compounds is to be preferred is unknown, as they have never been compared head to head. A health economic analysis to test the hypothesis that an ovarian stimulation with low dosing is more cost-effective than high doses of gonadotropins is needed. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016041301.

Antifouling evaluation of extracts from Red Sea soft corals against primary biofilm and biofouling

Objectives To evaluate antifouling property of extracts from Red Sea soft corals against primary biofilm and biofouling. Methods Seven species of soft corals Sarcophyton glaucum (a), Sinularia compressa, Sinularia cruciata (a), Heteroxenia fuscescens (a), Sarcophyton glaucum (b), Heteroxenia fuscescens (b) and Sinularia cruciata (b) were chosen to test their extracts as antibacterial and antifouling agents in Eastern Harbour of Alexandria, Mediterranean Sea. Bioactive compounds of soft corals were extracted by using methanol and concentrated under vacuum. The residues of extracts were mixed in formulation of inert paint which consisted of rosin, chlorinated rubber and ferrous oxide against micro and macro fouling organisms. The formulated paints were then applied on PVC panels twice by brush, hanged in a steel frame and immersed in Eastern Harbour of Alexandria Mediterranean Sea followed by visual inspection and photographic recordings. Results After 185 days of immersion in seawater, the antifouling results agreed with the antibacterial results where extracts of Sinularia compressa and Heteroxenia fuscescens (b) gave the best activity against marine fouling tubeworms and barnacles. The inhibition activity was correlated with the major functional groups (hydroxyl, amino, carbonyl, aliphatic (fatty acids), C[dbnd]C of alkene or aromatic rings and C[sbnd]Cl of aryl halides) of the extracts. Conclusions The strong antifouling activity makes them promising candidates for new antifouling additives. After the screening and application of natural organic compounds from soft corals, marine organisms show activity against micro and macro fouling organisms.

Comparative study of virulence factors among ESßL-producing and nonproducing Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates.

BACKGROUND/AIM: ß-Lactamase production is considered one of the most important resistance mechanisms amongvirulent Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. The aim of this study was to compare the production and antimicrobial resistance patterns of some virulence factors in extended spectrum ß-lactamase (ESßL)-producing and nonproducing P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of 183 different clinical specimens, 104 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were recovered. The isolates were screened for ESßL production using the double disk diffusion test and phenotypic confirmatory disk diffusion test. All isolates were tested for susceptibility to 25 antimicrobials, as well as for expression of various virulence factors including pigment, hemolysin, gelatinase, protease, lipase, rhamnolipids, biofilm, and cell surface hydrophobicity. The results of ESßL producers and honproducers were statistically compared. RESULTS: All isolates showed a high frequency of multiple resistance to at least 14 and up to 25 of the tested antimicrobials. Nevertheless, most virulence factors were produced at higher rates in ESßL-producing than in ESßL-nonproducing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest a correlation between ESßL phenotype and the production of some factors that are reported to be involved in the virulence of P. aeruginosa.

Tissue Regeneration and Stem Cell Distribution in Adriamycin Induced Glomerulopathy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Glomerulosclerosis develops secondary to various kidney diseases. It was postulated that adriamycin (ADR) induce chronic glomerulopathy. Treatment combinations for one year did not significantly modify renal function in resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Recurrence of FSGS after renal transplantation impacts long-term graft survival and limits access to transplantation. The present study aimed at investigating the relation between the possible therapeutic effect of human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSCs), isolated from cord blood on glomerular damage and their distribution by using ADR induced nephrotoxicity as a model in albino rat. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty three male albino rats were divided into control group, ADR group where rats were given single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 5 mg/kg adriamycin. The rats were sacrificed 10, 20 and 30 days following confirmation of glomerular injury. In stem cell therapy group, rats were injected with HMSCs following confirmation of renal injury and sacrificed 10, 20 and 30 days after HMSCs therapy. Kidney sections were exposed to histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, morphometric and serological studies. In response to SC therapy multiple Malpighian corpuscles (MC) appeared with patent Bowman's space (Bs) 10 and 20 days following therapy. One month following therapy no remarkable shrunken glomeruli were evident. Glomerular area and serum creatinine were significantly different in ADR group in comparison to control and SC therapy groups. CONCLUSIONS: ADR induced glomerulosclerosis regressed in response to cord blood HMSC therapy. A reciprocal relation was recorded between the extent of renal regeneration and the distribution of undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells.

Effect of Stem Cell Therapy on Adriamycin Induced Tubulointerstitial Injury

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It was postulated that adriamycin (ADR) induce renal tubulointerstitial injury. Clinicians are faced with a challenge in producing response in renal patients and slowing or halting the evolution towards kidney failure. The present study aimed at investigating the relation between the possible therapeutic effect of human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSCs), isolated from cord blood on tubular renal damage and their distribution by using ADR induced nephrotoxicity as a model in albino rat. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty three male albino rats were divided into control group, ADR group where rats were given single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 5 mg/kg adriamycin. The rats were sacrificed 10, 20 and 30 days following confirmation of tubular injury. In stem cell therapy group, rats were injected with HMSCs following confirmation of renal injury and sacrificed 10, 20 and 30 days after HMSCs therapy. Kidney sections were exposed to histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, morphometric and serological studies. In response to SC therapy, vacuolated cytoplasm, dark nuclei, detached epithelial lining and desquamated nuclei were noticed in few collecting tubules (CT). 10, 20 and 30 days following therapy. The mean count of CT showing desquamated nuclei and mean value of serum creatinine revealed significant difference in ADR group. The mean area% of Prussian blue+ve cells and that of CD105 +ve cells measured in subgroup S1 denoted a significant increase compared to subgroups S2 and S3. CONCLUSIONS: ADR induced tubulointerstitial damage that regressed in response to cord blood HMSC therapy.

Surgical outcome of modified versus conventional parotidectomy in treatment of benign parotid tumors.

BACKGROUND: Our proposed modified technique includes creating a posterior pedicle parotid gland fascia flap without separating the great auricular nerve branches through an aesthetic incision. This fascial flap is sutured back to the parotid bed creating a barrier of the aberrant regeneration of sympathetic fibers thus, theoretically, decreasing the incidence of Frey's syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Superficial parotidectomy for benign parotid neoplasms was carried out using either the conventional (Group 1) or modified (Group 2) technique. Outcomes of the two groups were reviewed. Both techniques were compared for the cosmetic outcome, great auricular nerve anesthesia, and the incidence of Frey's syndrome. RESULTS: The incision in the modified group was more cosmetic both subjectively and objectively. Postoperatively, transient numbness was reported by 21% of cases in the modified group. In the control group, transient sensory deficit was complained by all cases. Fourteen patients restored sensation completely within 2 years after surgery. The incidence of subjective Frey's syndrome was significantly lower in the modified group. Objectively, on starch iodine test, the incidence of Frey's syndrome was higher in both groups. CONCLUSION: In selected cases of benign parotid neoplasm, modified parotidectomy is an effective technique in improving the outcome of the procedure.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Eucalyptus maculata.

BACKGROUND: Since phenolic compounds have been reported as effective antioxidants, this study was designed to assess the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the chloroformic extract of the resinous exudate and its phenolic constituents obtained from the stems of Eucalyptus maculata. MATERIAL/METHODS: The chloroformic extract and pure phenolic isolates were evaluated for their antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties in mice and rats based on biochemical changes in serum and tissues as well as pathological changes in the liver and spleen. RESULTS: Acetaminophen (ACP) at a dose of 1 g/kg body weight produced 100% mortality in mice, while pretreatment of animals with the chloroformic extract (125 and 250 mg/kg) protected against the moralities by 66%. Pretreatment of rats with either the chloroformic extract (250 mg/kg) or any of the pure isolates (20 mg/kg) significantly reduced the increase in serum level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) produced by ACP (640 mg/kg). Pretreatment of animals with the chloroformic extract or its isolates also protected against ascorbic acid depletion in serum and kidney tissues induced by oral administration of paraquat (PQ) without modifying the serum level of glutathione (GSH) and glycogen content in liver tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The phenolic content of the chloroformic extract and the pure isolates produced an antioxidant activity which may be due to the formation of stable phenoxyl radical in addition to its effect through vitamin C.