Zahedan Journal of Research in Medical Sciences
Volume:15 Issue: 11, Nov 2013

Studies have shown that cisplatin have neuropathic effects and Salvia officinalis (SO) could have therapeutic effects on nervous system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SO hydroalcoholic extract and cisplatin on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizure in mice. This is an experimental interventional study. For this purpose first group received normal saline, second group received SO extract, third group received cisplatin, in the fourth group received SO extract plus cisplatin and the subsequent seizure threshold was determined for each group. The results showed that SO extract significantly (p<0.05) increased and in cisplatin group significantly (p<0.05) decreased seizure threshold. Simultaneous uses of cisplatin and SO extract caused to significantly increased seizure threshold (p<0.05) compared with cisplatin group. Considering different types of ingredients in SO extract which have beneficial effects on nervous system, it might be used to reduce cisplatin induced neuropathic effects. It seems that SO extract could be useful in cisplatin-induced seizure but further investigations are needed.

Hyperactivity of testosterone is one cause of infertility and its incorrect use can produces reproductive disorders. Nettle (Urtica dioica) has antiandrogenic effect and may antagonized effect of testosterone. In present study structure of testes of golden hamster was evaluated after testosterone and extract. In this experimental and animal modeling study, twenty male mature hamsters were divided to 4 groups, group 1 was control, group 2 received testosterone at dose 3 mg/kg subcutaneously, group 3 received nettle extract dose 30 mg/kg orally and group 4 received testosterone and nettle for 30 days daily. The hamsters were euthanized and testes were removed and detected macroscopic parameters (weight, height, wide and volume) and fixed with formalin. The samples were sectioned and colored with H & E. The volume, weight, length and wide of testes was at least in testosterone group and statistically was lesser than control and testosterone -nettle group (p<0.05), but did not the height epithelium of seminifer tubules, compact of spermatogenic cells and number of serotolli cells in testosterone group was lesser than control group significantly (p<0.05). The nettle extract decreased histological changes of testes by testosterone and improved its structure.

The use of medicinal plants for lowering glucose level in diabetic patients is of clinical importance. The present study investigated the effect of a 30-day oral administration of aqueous extract of walnut leaf and glibenclamide on blood glucose level in normal and diabetic rats. In this experimental study, 120 male rats (Sprague-Dawley, 150-250 g) were divided into 12 equal groups as following: normal control group, normal group receiving glibenclamide (4 mg/kg), three normal groups receiving the extract doses of 50, 10, and 150 mg/kg, alloxan-diabetic control group (170 mg/kg), diabetic group receiving glibenclamide (4 mg/kg), and five diabetic groups receiving the extract in doses of 10, 50, 150, 300, and 500 mg/day by oral administration for 30 days. Glucose levels of the fasting rats were measured at 0, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 30th days using glucometer. Administration of all doses and over 10 mg/kg significantly lowered the blood glucose level in normal rat and diabetic rats, compared with dose and duration-dependent control groups. This effect was higher for doses of 50 and 150 mg/kg in normal rats and for doses of 300 and 500 mg/kg in diabetic rats, similar to glibenclamide (4 mg/kg). Walnut leaf aqueous extract, depending on dose and duration, has dose and duration dependent declining effect on glucose level in normal rats and antihyperglycemic effect on diabetic rats, with a few side effects. This effect at some doses is greater or equal to that of glibenclamide.

Since Urtica dioica is a traditional treatment plant and is used for antihypertensive, antilipidemic and antidiabetic agents, this survey was carried out to evaluate the effect of Urtica dioica decoction on serum glucose and lipid profile in diabetic male rats induced by stereptozotocin (STZ). This experiment was performed on 30 Wistar-Albino male rats, weighing 200-250 g, which were divided in sham control (A), diabetic control (B) and diabetic test groups (C) randomly (N=10). Type I diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (65 mg/kg). Test group received 0.40-0.60 ml of Urtica dioica decoction for a month by gavages, control group (B) received the same volume of distill water. Group (A) did not receive any agent during the experiment period. Finally, animals were anesthetized, sacrificed and blood samples were collected from the cervical vein. Then, serum glucose and lipid profiles were measured by ordinary methods. Data were analyzed by SPSS-11, using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests. Results were expressed as mean±SD, and statistical difference was considered significant by p<0.05. Results in the present study showed that fasting blood glucose (FBS), total cholesterol (TCho), triglyceride (TG), LDL, food and water intake were significantly decreased in group C compared with those of group B, but body weight gain was significantly increased compared with that of control group (B). These results indicated that Urtica dioica decoction caused decreased FBS and improved serum lipids in diabetic male rats. Some more studies have shown the same mechanism.

Evaluation of healing effects of Echinacea extract in Arsenic induced dermal necrosis in rat is the objective of this study. In this experimental study 20 male Wistar rats were divided to 2 groups. Dermal necrosis was induced by subcutaneously arsenic injection (4mg/kg) for 10 days. In group 2, after arsenic receiving, Echinacea were injected intraperitoneally (400mg/kg). After last day of injection, rats were euthanizes and pathologic samples were collected from dermal ulcers. Histopathologic results revealed necrosis of different dermal layers in arsenic group. There were inflammatory exudates instead of impaired structures. In group 2, there were granulation tissue with high cellularity and new vessels. According to this research findings arsenic can induce dermal necrosis which is a good animal model for dermatologic researches and also Echinacea has healing effects and can protect and limit the Arsenic effects.

Teucrium polium (lamiaceae) is a natural source containing numerous antioxidant compounds and T. polium had advised for treatment of wide range of diseases including gout, inflammation and diabetes. In this Study, inhibitory effect of extracts, the most important antioxidant contents of T. polium and correlation between them had determined. Flowering branches of T. polium were collected from nine regions in north-eastern provinces of Iran and dried and powdered afterwards. The inhibitory effects of the plant extract on xanthine oxidase were assayed in vitro. Total Phenol and anthocyanin and soluble sugar content of each extract were matured. Then, their correlations with the inhibitory effects on xanthine oxidase were also determined. All these measurements were repeated three times and variance analysis was used for comparing means. All extract in different habitat exhibited a good inhibition effects on xanthine oxidase activity, the concentration of 0.3 mg/ml of samples were inhibited the enzyme from 11.44 to 91.45%. The highest inhibitory effect on xanthine oxidase was found in Ramian by 91.45%. Anthocyanin content in Golestan’s samples (Tilabad) was remarkably more than other samples, 4.26 mg/g DW. Razari khorasan’s samples (Garmab) had the highest of total phenol and soluble sugar contents, 28.11 and 6.84 mg/g DW respectively. These results suggest that T. polium extract in different regions is a rich source of antioxidant and has inhibitors effect on xanthine oxidase. Golestan samples had the highest inhibitory effect on the xanthine oxidase activity and are recommended for pharmacological studies.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease with impairment in function of CNS, meanwhile macrophages and dendritic cells (DC) can cause inflammation and damage to the myelin of nerve cells by releasing Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other harmful substances when these cells get matured. We investigated the effect of Alternaria alternata (A. alternata) extract on phagocytic T cell stimulation activity of DC pulsed with Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) as a laboratory model of MS. Plastic adherent monocytes were cultured with granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-4 for converting these cells to MoDc (Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cell), pulsed with MBP, matured in the presence of monocyte-conditioned medium (MCM) in control group and MCM+Alternaria. alternata extract in treatment groups. Phagocytic activity of DC was evaluated and T cell responses were investigated by MTT test. Phagocytic activity in treatment groups decreased significantly in compare with control group. Meanwhile, DC couldn’t stimulate T cell proliferation. A. alternata extract decreased phagocytic activity of MoDc-pulsed with MBP and had no effect on T cell proliferation may provide a new strategy on immunotraphy of multiple sclerosis.

Diabetes mellitus is a common disorder of endocrine glands worldwide. Caper as a medicinal plant has anti-oxidant properties and has been used traditionally to cure diabetes. The aim of present research was to evaluate the effect of 200 and 800 mg/kg of caper fruit extract on blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin and lipid profile in diabetic and normal male rats. In this experimental study 60 rats were divided into 6 groups randomly, in which three diabetic groups received distilled water (control) and 200 and 800 mg/kg caper fruit extract respectively and three normal groups were treated as diabetic groups. The animals were received orally either water or fruit extract by gavages for 28 days. To measure the level of blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profile, blood samples of animals were collected at the beginning and the end of experiment and p<0.05 was considered as significant. The blood sugar decreased in all groups receiving fruit extract compare to control groups and the decrease in blood sugar was dose dependent. Blood triglycerides decreased in all diabetic groups receiving extract compare to control but in normal rats the changes were not significant. The changes in glycated hemoglobin was not significant. Other blood metabolites that were measured in the present study were not changed significantly. The results of present study showed that consumption of Caper fruit extract lead to a significant decrease in blood sugar and also a considerable decrease in blood triglycerides in diabetic rats, therefore it seems that Caper fruit consumption may has beneficial effects on blood sugar and lipid profile.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract is rich source of natural antioxidants specially catechin that is quickly absorbed into the body and it has cancer protective, anti microbial and anti inflammation effects. In this study has been studied role of green tea extract against genotoxic damage induced by cell phone microwaves on bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes of adult male Balb/C mouse. In this experimental study 40 mouse were divided into five groups, control animals were located under natural condition, sham -exposed animals were prepared by experimental condition without cell phone waves radiation. Experimental 1 group that irradiated at cell phones for 4 days (3 hours/day) and experimental 2 group were injected intraperitoneal 100 mg/kg green tea extract for 5 days and experimental 3 group that irradiated at active mobile phones for 4 days (3 hours/day) and were injected intraperitoneal 100 mg/kg green tea extract for 5 days. After treatment period micronucleus test was evaluated in polychromatic erythrocytes on bone marrow. The quantitative data was analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test with using of SPSS-13 software at the level of p<0.05. Based on this study, treatment with extracts of green tea decreased micronucleus frequency in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes of Balb/C mouse that irradiated at cell phone microwave (0.92±0.129), (p<0.001). Cell phone microwaves (940 MHz) increased micronucleus on bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes of male Balb/C mouse, but green tea had inhibitory effect and it decreased the average number of micronucleus.

One of today''s environmental crisis that industrial technology it produces. Lead is one of the most important environmental contaminants that prolonged contact with the production of free radicals. Study results show that air pollution is increases mortality due to cardiovascular disease. To study the effects of consumption turmeric extracts on prooxidant- antioxidant balance of rats'' spleen and heart tissues exposed to lead acetate. Thirty-six male rats randomly were classified into four groups as: 1) Basic, 2) Sham (turmeric solvent), 3) Lead, 4) turmeric extract+lead, (each group includes 9 rats). turmeric supplements were injected three times per week and total of 8 weeks to 30 mg/kg body weight. Injection protocol lead and turmeric extract or solvent (ethyl first) three sessions a week and will run for 8 weeks, all injections were in peritoneally. After separation of spleen and heart tissues and homogenization, showed; injection of lead increases the index of lipid peroxidation in spleen and heart tissues. Also turmeric supplementation inhibits oxidative effects on the spleen and heart. Based on this research findings using a healthy style, and herbal supplements is effective in reducing the harmful effects anti-oxidation pollutants.

Hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis are the most common causes of mortality and disability, especially in developed countries. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of Biebersteina multifida DC. root extract on HDL and LDL blood level. In this experimental study, 35 male Balb/c mice were randomly divided in five groups such control, sham, and experimental groups which received Biebersteina multifida DC. root extract with the doses of 4, 5 and 10 mg/kg; three last groups were daily fed orally, for thirty days. HDL and LDL blood serum levels were measured, in the last day and compared with control and sham groups. The results after 30 days gavage of 4, 5 and 10 mg/kg of Biebersteinia Multifida DC. root extract showed that the root extract decrease of LDL level significantly. The doses of 4, 5 mg/kg of the root extract were the effective dose in decreasing the serum HDL level. However, 10 mg/kg dose of root extract has no significant effect on HDL level in comparison with control and sham groups. 10 mg/kg of root extract had the maximum effect on reducing LDL level. According to this study, it is suggested that the root extract of Biebersteinia multifida DC. can be efficient to reduce the level of HDL and LDL in blood serum.

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels. Medicinal plants have useful source of hypoglycemic compounds and play important role in preventing the progress of this disease. Morus alba leaves is natural therapeutic agent shown hypoglycemic effects. In this study, the protective effects of alcoholic extract Morus alba leaves on fetus fibroblast cells under hyperglycemic condition were assessed. In this experimental study the cells were treated with six different concentrations of extracts. The nontoxic concentration of plant extract was measured with MTT assay in fetus fibroblast cells. Then, the fetus fibroblast cells were incubated with high dose of glucose and plant extract at concentrations of 1000 ppm. DNA synthesis, as marker of cell proliferation was determined. There were significant changes in cell proliferation in treated group with plant extract. Morus alba leaves could cause cell attachment and proliferation. The attachment of cells to culture plates has been shown to be affected by plant extract. The data obtained from this study approved that Morus alba leaves has cytoprotective effects against hyperglycemia.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from defects in insulin secretion and function. Walnut is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes. In this study we evaluated the anti-diabetic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of walnut male flowers in streptozocin diabetic rats and its probable side effects on the liver. Eighty adult male Wistar rats were randomly selected and divided into 4 subgroups including a control (N=8) with no intervention, witness group receiving normal saline and another 3 groups of rats each receiving either 2, 4, or 6 g/kg of the extract per day for 15 days. Diabetic groups of rats each treated with the above doses of the extract for the aforementioned period of time, and a group of 8 diabetic rats without any further treatment. Eight rats were also used to determine the LD50 of streptozotocin. Diabetes was induced in rats by injection of 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin. At the end of the experimental period, blood was taken from the experimental and control groups and the serum levels of insulin, glucose and liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) were measured. Results showed that the hydro-alcoholic extract of walnut male flowers increased the levels of insulin, decreased blood glucose, AST and ALP enzymes in the treated diabetic groups compared to the non-treated group (p<0.05). The anti-diabetic effects of the extract were not dose dependent. The effectiveness of the hydro-alcoholic extract of walnut male flowers in diabetic rats through prevention of liver damage and reduction of blood glucose.

Exercise causes increased oxygen consumption, leaving cells exposed to oxidative stress. Antioxidants may have a protective effect by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Thus, this study aims to examine the effect of Pistacia atlantica extract on glutathione peroxidase levels and total oxidative capacity of liver and plasma lipid profile of rats. In this experimental study, 28 female rats’ weight 155.8±2.7 grams were randomly and equally divided into 4 groups of exercise-saline, control-saline, exercise-mastic, and control-mastic. The exercise groups exercised for 8 weeks (5 days per week, 60 minutes daily, 25 meters per minute, on a zero degree slope). The rats received equal volumes of mastic and saline orally for 4 weeks. Blood and tissue samples were taken 72 hours after the last exercise session. Data were analyzed using one-way variance analysis (ANOVA). Consumption of Pistacia atlantica extract together with endurance exercising for 8 weeks did not significantly affect glutathione peroxidase concentration, total oxidative capacity, LDL, triglyceride, or cholesterol, but significantly reduced HDL (p=0.002). Results showed that antioxidant and lipid profile levels were not affected by consumption of supplements and endurance exercising. However, further studies are required to assess the long term effects of this herbal extract.