ناصر میرازی

Lead is an environmental pollutant and has destructive effects on the functioning of various body systems such as the reproductive system. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of hydroethanolic extract of palm meristem on the process of spermatogenesis in male Wistar rats induced with lead acetate.

In the present experimental study conducted in 2023, 35 male Wistar rats with 200-220g were used and divided in five groups: Control (received water and normal food), positive control (received palm meristem extract with a dose of 500 mg/kg, ip), witness (received lead acetate 0.5 gr/ L, in drinking water) and Treatment 1 and 2 (receiver of lead acetate, 0.5 gr/ L, in drinking water and palm meristem extract with a dose of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, ip, respectively).The experiments were conducted  for 2 weeks. At the end of the experiments, blood and serum were taken from the animals to measure testosterone, LH and FSH hormones, then sperm count and testicular histological samples were evaluated. Collected data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smironov statistical tests, one-way analysis of variance within the subject and Tukey's post hoc test.

The results of the present study indicated that lead acetate causes destruction and necrosis in the testicular tissue of rats. It correspondingly caused a significant decrease in the number of sperms and the serum level of testosterone hormone (P<0.001). Palm meristem's extract protected the testicular tissue and increased the process of spermatogenesis in the treatment groups compared to the witness group. Testosterone hormone increased significantly in the treatment groups compared to the witness group (P<0.05).

The hydroethanolic extract of palm meristem had a protective effect on the testicular tissue of rats against the toxic effects of lead acetate.

Background &

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder of women of reproductive ages. Some medicinal plants have chemical compounds that can prevent the occurrence or development of PCOS. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of hydroethanolic extract of palm meristem (HEPM) in female rats with polycystic ovary syndrome induced with estradiol valerate.

In the present experimental study conducted in 2022, 42 adult female Wistar rats (180-200 g) were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=7): Control group: (injection of 0.25 ml of normal saline subcutaneously, 0.25 ml of normal saline gavaged, daily). Positive control group: (500 mg/kg HEPM gavaged, daily). Estradiol valerate group: (single subcutaneous injection of estradiol valerate, 2 mg/kg in a volume of 0.25 ml of olive oil). Sham group: (single subcutaneous injection 0.25 ml of olive oil). Treatment group 1 (Estradiol valerate 2 mg/kg in a volume of 0.25 ml of olive oil + HEPM 250 mg/kg gavaged, daily). Treatment group 2 (Estradiol valerate 2 mg/kg in a volume of 0.25 ml of olive oil + HEPM 500 mg/kg gavaged, daily). The experiments lasted for 50 days. After the end of the experiments, the animals were anesthetized with ketamine hydrochloride (50 mg/kg body weight) and then a blood sample of 5 ml was taken from the inferior vena cava and the ovaries were removed. Blood samples were separated after centrifugation and sent to the laboratory for biochemical and hormonal tests. Collected data were analyzed using Kolmogrof-Smironov statistical tests, one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test.

The results indicated that estradiol valerate caused PCOS in rats. The serum level of testosterone hormone in the rats of the estradiol valerate group increased significantly compared to the control group (p<0.001). The serum level of estradiol and progesterone hormones in rats of the estradiol valerate group had a significant decrease compared to the control group (p<0.001). In treatment groups 1 and 2, there was a significant decrease in testosterone and a significant increase in the serum level of estradiol and progesterone (p<0.001).

The results of the present study indicated that hydroethanolic extract of palm meristem due to compounds such as Phytoestrogens, flavonoids and other antioxidant substances are able to protect the ovarian tissue against the occurrence of polycystic ovary syndrome against estradiol valerate.

Chemical preservatives are commonly used to prevent food from quick spoiling and oxidizing. Despite their effect in increasing shelf life of foods, these compounds can have side effects. Residues of chemical compounds in foods increase microbial resistance. This study aims to investigate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora L.) ethanolic extract against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

In this experimental study, The soaking method and ethanol solvent was used for extraction. Antioxidant activities of different concentrations of extract were assessed using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity test and compared with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) as a synthetic antioxidant. Antimicrobial effect of extract on Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhimurium was determined by disk diffusion and well diffusion methods and measuring minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Experimental data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 20 using analysis of variance and the mean values were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test.

The amounts of phenols and flavonoids in the ethanolic extract of were 96.47±0.35 mg of gallic acid/g of extract and 31.07±0.42 mg of quercetin/g of extract, respectively. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration of lemon verbena extract was 11.79±0.76 μg/mL, while it was 10.16±0.29 μg/mL for BHA. In both disk diffusion and well diffusion methods, with the increase of the concentration of extract, the inhibition zone diameter increased. The ethanolic extract of lemon verbena at the concentration of 12.5 mg/mL had no inhibitory effect on gram-negative bacteria growth. In both methods, the extract had the greatest effect on S. aureus. The MIC of ethanolic extract ranged from 8 to 128 mg/mL, depending on the type of bacteria (gram-positive or gram-negative).

The ethanolic extract of lemon verbena has higher antimicrobial effects on gram-positive bacteria. Therefore, it can be used in food and pharmaceutical industries as a natural antimicrobial agent. Considering the increasing resistance of bacteria to chemical antibiotics, more studies on lemon verbena and its antibacterial compounds are needed for treating infections.

Some drugs used in chemotherapy have destructive effects on hematopoietic tissue.Cyclophosphamide is a commonly used anti-cancer drug which used for some of malignant cancers treatment and causes toxicity by its reactive metabolites such as acrolein and phosphoramide mustard. This drug has oxidant, inflammatory and subversion effects on blood hemopoetic bone marrow tissue. Medicinal plants with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects have protective effects on bone marrow tissue. The aim of this experimental study is to investigate  antioxidant and anti-infammatory effects of  Calendula officinalis L. hydroethanolic extract (CHE) on bone marrow in Wistar rats treated with cyclophosphamide.

In this experimental study 35 male Wistar rats (220-250 g) were divided in 5 groups (n=7): control (Normal saline, 0.5 ml), Cyclophosphamide (CP, 15mg/kg), positive control (CHE, 600 mg/kg), treatment 1 (CP, 15mg/kg + CHE, 300 mg/kg) and treatment 2 (CP, 15mg/kg + CHE, 600 mg/kg). All injections were done interaperituneally and the experiments were done for 15 days. At the end of experiments all animals were anesthetized ( ketamine hydrochloride, 50mg/kg + xylasine hydrochloride, 10mg/kg). After splitting the chest with surgical scissor, blood samples were collected directly from the right ventricle of the heart. The collected blood samples were centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 5 minutes and their serums were separated. Serums prepared send to the laboratory for  measuring serum parameters such as: Nitric oxide(NO), Glutamine (GSH), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Tumor Necrosis Factor- alfa(TNF-α) and Inetrlukin-6β (IN-6β). In addition, rat sternum's tissue samples were isolated and fixed with 10% Formaldehyde. Bone marrow tissue samples were studied in the histology laboratory after various steps and preparation of microscopic sections. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test. The significant difference of the data were considered with p <0.05.

The results of this study showed that cyclophosphamide caused a significant increase in serum TNF-α levels in the group receiving cyclophosphamide compared to the control group (p<0.001). While in the positive control group and treatments 1 and 2 groups, there was no significant difference compared to the control group. Also, there was no significant difference between treatment 1 and treatment 2 groups. Cyclophosphamide significantly increased serum IL-6β levels in the CP group compared to the control group (p<0.001). However, serum levels of IL-6β in the groups treated with CHE were significantly reduced compared to the CP group. There was significant difference of serum levels of IL-6β between treatment 1 and treatment 2 groups (p<0. 01). The use of cyclophosphamide showed that the NO serum level in the CP group was significantly higher than the control group. The groups treated with CHE had a significant decrease in NO serum level compared to the CP group (p<0.001). There was significant difference of serum levels of NO serum level between treatment 1 and treatment 2 groups (p<0. 001). In addition, MDA serum levels in the CP group were significantly increased compared to the control group. There was significant difference of serum levels of MDA serum levels between treatment 1 and treatment 2 groups (p<0. 001). There was significant differences of MDA serum levels in CP group, positive group  and treatment groups 1&2 (p<0. 001). Another result of this study was that cyclophosphamide significantly reduced serum levels of GSH and GPx in the CP group compared with control group (p<0. 001). While serum levels of these parameters in positive control groups and treatments 1 and 2 showed a significant increase compared to the CP group. There were no significant differences of GPx and GSH serum levels between treatment groups 1&2. Histological results in this study showed that CP reduces cell density, loss of cell cohesion and also infiltration of lymphocytes in bone marrow tissue samples in CP group. These results also showed that in treatment group 1 cell density is relatively higher than CP group. In treatment group 2, cell density increased and a significant decrease in inflammatory cells were observed. No significant changes were observed in the positive control group compared to the control group.

The results of this study showed that cyclophosphamide has destructive effects on various tissues of the body, including hematopoietic tissue of bone marrow in test rats. The effects of oxidative stress and cell death of cyclophosphamide have been previously reported. The use of drugs used in the process of chemotherapy is very common and inevitable. Cyclophosphamide, which is used in pediatric oncology as part of standard treatment for leukemia, solid tumors and brain tumors, is one of these drugs. Cyclophosphamide, as a cytotoxic drug, causes inflammation and increases inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α),  IL-1β and IL-6β. Cyclophosphamide has been identified as one of the most important tissue toxicity agents due to its reactive metabolites such as acrolein and phosphoramide mustard and it has been shown that this anticancer drug increases inflammatory serum factors such as TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO) and decreases regenerative glutathione (GSH). In various studies, the antioxidant effects of CHE extract have been proven. Many chemical compounds have been identified in CHE, including carotenoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins, quinones, amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. These compounds can be used for various medicinal and therapeutic purposes as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-cancer, anti-HIV, for wound healing and more. The main chemical constituents of CHE include steroids, terpenoids, free and esterified terterpene alcohols, phenolic acids, flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, narcissin, isoramentin, campferrol) and other compounds. Research has shown that coumarins have very beneficial effects on cell proliferation and preventing apoptosis. Large amounts of coumarin have been mentioned in the extract of Calendula officinalis's extract. Coumarins have been used to treat prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma and leukemia. In addition, coumarins play an important role in preventing side effects from radiotherapy. The antioxidant activity of CHE was shown in a study performed on polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds with iron-binding region have iron chelating properties. By flaking iron, flavonoids both absorb more iron from the intestines and prevent it from being excreted by the kidneys. By doing this, flavonoids store iron in tissues, especially in hematopoietic tissues. Calendula officinalis's flowers contain large amounts of antioxidant compounds (flavonoids and polyphenols), which indicates the antioxidant properties of this plant. The presence of propylene glycol in CHE has been effective in preventing the formation of oxidizing free radicals such as ROS and RNS in isolated leukocytes in the respiratory tract. The protective effects of CHE on inflammatory parameters and serum antioxidants seem to be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it is thought that CHE extract, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, is able to prevent the destructive effects of cyclophosphamide on hematopoietic tissue.

Drug-induced epilepsy can be caused by certain medications and chemical agents. Oxidizing agents are among the chemical compounds that cause epilepsy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticonvulsant and antioxidant effects of amitriptyline on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure in male rats.

In this experimental study, 28 male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were used. Rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=7): Control (0.5 ml normal saline), PTZ (PTZ, 60 mg/kg), treatment group 1 (PTZ, 60 mg/kg + amitriptyline, 10 mg/kg), treatment group 2 (PTZ, 60 mg/kg+ amitriptyline, 20 mg/kg). All injections were intraperitoneal. At the end of the experiments, the rats were anesthetized with ketamine hydrochloride (50 mg/kg) + xylazine (10 mg/kg) and their blood samples were directly drawn from the heart and then the sera were isolated. Oxidative stress markers such as GPx, MDA, NO and GSH were measured. The results were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test to examine the differences between the groups.

The results of this study showed that the delay in myoclonic jerks increased in the amitriptyline-treated groups compared to the PTZ group. Also, the delay of general tonic-clonic seizures increased in the treated groups compared to the PTZ group. In addition, serum levels of GSH and GPx in the PTZ group showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. Serum levels of MDA and NO in the PTZ group showed a significant increase compared to the control group.

Amitriptyline is able to reduce the seizures induced by PTZ injection in rats. Also, it showed a suppressing effect on some oxidizing agents in this study.

Epilepsy is a very complex neurogenic disorder. Choronic epilepsy can affect memory and learning with neurochemical changes in different areas of the brain. Amitripyiline (AMT) is one of the the tricyclic antidepressants drugs that has antinociception effects. The aim of this study is evaluation of anticonvulsant and memory consolidationeffects of amitripyiline in male Wistar rats induced with Pentylentetrazole (PTZ).

In this experimental study 28male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were used and divided randomlyin 4 groups(n=7): control ( 0.5 ml salin normal), PTZ(60mg/kg), treatment 1 (PTZ + AMT10mg/kg  ) and treatment 2(PTZ + AMT20mg/kg). All injections were done interaperituneally.After administration of AMT the convulsive behaviors were observed and recorded. The passive avoidance, memory acquisitionand memory recovery tests were done. All data were analyzed with one way ANOVA and Tukey tests for evalution of differences between groups. 

The results of this study were showed thatthe delay in myoclonic movements in treated groups with AMT were increased compaired with PTZ group.The delay in memory recovery in PTZ group was reduced significantly compare with control group.

AMT is able to reduce the convulsion caused by PTZ injection and also the has positive effect on memory recoveryin rats .

In order to investigate the effect of irrigation as well as foliar application of sodium nitroprusside as a nitric oxide donor compound on some morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics in marigold (Calendula officinalis L.), an experiment was conducted in a greenhouse and has been carried out as factorial (two factors) based on a completely randomized design with three replications. Experimental factors included different irrigation levels 100, 65 and 30% FC and foliar application of sodium nitroprusside at three concentration levels 0 (control), 200 and 400 µM. The results showed that the highest root dry weight and root to aerial organ dry weight ratio belonged to control and 30% FC, respectively. Chlorophyll a and total concentration were reduced under water deficit stress, while the electrolyte leakage percentage was increased. The highest amount of total phenol content was belonged to 65% FC. Sodium nitroprusside had significant effects on the root dry weight and chlorophyll a and total concentration that this effects was maximum in 400µM. The concentrations of 200 and 400 µM sodium nitroprusside with 65% FC treatment increased the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes. In all irrigation treatments, foliar application of 200 µM sodium nitroprusside increased the relative leaf water content. The concentration of 400 µM sodium nitroprusside with 30% FC showed the highest essential oil percentage. Based on the results obtained, sodium nitroprusside treatment protected marigold plant from water deficit stress and decreased its damages.

Some of drugs which used in chemotherapy have destructive effects on hemopoetic tissue. Cyclophosphamid is a drug for malignant cancers treatment with subversion effects on blood hemopoetic bone marrow. Medicinal plants with antioxidant effects have anti-inflammatory and protective effects on bone marrow tissue. The aim of this study is to investigate of protective effect of Calendula officinalis L. hydrethanolic extract (CHE) on boold parameters in Wistar male rats induced with cyclophosphamide.

In this experimental study 35 male Wistar rats (200-220 g) were divided in 5 groups(n=7): control (0.5 ml salin normal), Cyclophosphamide (15 mg/kg), positive control 600 mg/kg, CHE), treatment 1 (Cyclophosphamide 15 mg/kg+300 mg/kg, CHE) and treatment 2 (Cyclophosphamide 15mg/kg +600 mg/kg, CHE). All injections were done interaperituneally and the experiments were done for 15 days. At the end of expriments all animals were anesthetized (ketamine hydrochlorids, 50mg/kg+xylasine hydrochloride 10 mg/kg) and blood samples and sternum bone tissue (fixed in 10% formaldehyde) were collected. All data were evaluated statistically by ANOVA and Tukey’s method.

The results of this study were showed that cyclophosphamide has reduce effects on blood parameters (RBC, WBC, PL, Hb, Hct, MCV,MCH, MCHC) compare with control group significantly. CHE can protect and inhibite of cyclophosphamide damage effects on blood hemopoetic tissue.

The use of CHE is able to protect of blood hemopoetic tissue in bone marrow and prohihite of cyclophosphamide effects.

Oxidation of vegetable oils is a major challenge in the food industry. Canola oil is prone to oxidation because of high unsaturated fatty acids. An effective way to prevent oxidation of oils and fats is addition of antioxidants. However using synthetic antioxidant due to the possibility of toxic and carcinogenic effects is limited. Thus, todays essential oils from aromatic plants have been qualified as natural antioxidants and proposed as potential substitutes of synthetic antioxidants in food products. Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) from Asteraceae family with significant applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. The main objective of this study was to identifythe chemical composition of flowers essential oil and comparison of antioxidant effects of marigold essential oil with butyl hydroxytoluene in canola oil stability.

This experimental study was conducted in 2019 at Nahavand University. Flowers essential oil was extracted by hydro-distillation technique using clevenger apparatus. The oil was analyzed by capillary GC and GC/MS. The total phenolic content of the essential oil was measured by Folin-ciocalteau method. Antioxidant activity of essential oil was assessed by using diphenyl picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and β-carotene/linoleic acid system and compared with synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT). Then the effect of marigold essential oil was added to the non containing antioxidant canola oil at four concentrations (100, 200, 400 and 800 ppm) to determine antioxidant activity. Also an oil sample without antioxidant and two oil samples containing 100 and 200 ppm BHT were prepared.The oils were kept at 60 °C for 35 days and peroxide, thiobarbitoric acid, acid and carbonyl values were measured every 7 day. Experimental data were analyzed using ANOVA by the SPSS version 20 software and mean comparison were done using Duncanchr(chr('39')39chr('39'))s multiple range test.

The major components of flower essential oil were -cadinol (49.52%), -cadinene (15.35%) and Δ-cadinene (8.36%), respectively. The concentration of phenolic compounds in the essential oil was determined and found to be 32.74±0.63 mg as gallic acid per gram of essential oil. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of marigold essential oil was 10.36±0.21 μg/ml, while this parameter for BHT 9.14±0.19 μg/ml. Flower essential oil of marigold at the concentration of 800 ppm had better antioxidant activity than the other essential oil concentrations. In addition, it was shown that antioxidant activity was directly correlated with the increase of the essential oil concentration. In the study of antioxidant properties of different concentrations of flower essential oil in canola oil showed that the highest antioxidant activity belonged to the oil sample contained 800 ppm of essential oil, which did not show significant difference with BHT at concentration 100 ppm (p> 0.05).

Marigold essential oil at the concentration of 800 ppm has antioxidant acivity in canola oil, it can be concluded that this plant can be a suitable natural antioxidant as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants in the oil industry.

This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of hydroethanolic extract of Lippia citrodora L. leaf (LCE) and vitamin D3 on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in suri rats.

This experimental study was performed on 48 female suri rats with a weight range of 25-35g. The subjects were divided into 8 groups (n=6 each), namely control (food + water), case (estradiol valerate, subcutaneously), sham (sesame oil, 0.25 ml, subcutaneously), positive control (metformin + water), intervention 1 (estradiol valerate + low-dose Lippia citrodora L. extract, intraperitoneally), intervention 2 (estradiol valerate + LCE high dose, intraperitoneally), intervention 3 (estradiol valerate + vitamin D3, intraperitoneally), and intervention 4 (estradiol valerate + Lippia citrodora L. extract + vitamin D3). The whole process of performing the experiments took 55 days. To conduct the study, blood and ovary tissue samples were obtained from the subjects. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 24) using the one-way ANOVA method.

Based on the results of the study, estradiol valerate caused PCOS in suri rats. Moreover, a significant decrease of ovarian cysts was observed in the ovarian tissue of the treatment groups, compared to those in the case group. It was also found out the concomitant use of Lippia citrodora L. extract and vitamin D3 was more effective in reducing ovarian cysts.

The results of this study showed that the use of Lippia citrodora L. extract and vitamin D3 had a significant effect on reducing ovarian cysts in suri rats with PCOS.

Today, the identification and introduction of plant species with medicinal and antimicrobial properties have become considerably important due to the increased use of chemical drugs, spread of microbial resistance to antibiotics, and side effects of drug consumption. Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) is one of the most important medicinal and aromatic plants possessing anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The harvest time influences the effective combination of medicinal plants; therefore, the quantity and quality of plant essential oils vary in different times. This study was conducted to identify the essential oil compounds of sage shoots, as well as determining the best harvest time to obtain the highest amount of essential oil and phenolic compounds, as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of this essential oil against four gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.

In this experimental study, plant samples were collected at four different times (mid- May, July, September, and November), followed by the extraction of their essential oils using the Clevenger type apparatus. The isolation and identification of the constituents of the essential oils were performed using gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry me connected to the mass spectrometer. The antioxidant activity of the samples’ essential oils was evaluated by the radical-scavenging activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was determined by disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration methods. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 20) using ANOVA, as well as Duncanchr('39')s multiple range test to compare the mean scores.

The major constituents identified in the essential oil of sage in different harvest times were α-pinene, camphene, α-thujone, β-thujone, 1.8-cineole, and camphor. Based on the results, oxygenated monoterpenes formed the major components of essential oil compounds in July (79.94%), May (74.76%), September (73.47%), and November (70.89%). The highest amount of phenolic compounds (66.36±0.74 mg GAE/g) and the lowest value of the half maximal inhibitory concentration (34.87±0.15 μg/ml) were observed in the essential oil obtained from July. At all harvest times, the highest and lowest diameters of the inhibition zone at the concentration of 300 mg/ml were observed for Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. Moreover, the effect of sage essential oil on gram-positive bacteria was higher than on gram-negative bacteria. The MIC range of sage essential oil at different harvest times ranged from 16-256 mg/ml, depending on the type of bacteria (gram-positive or gram-negative).

The results of this study showed that sage can be used as a potential source for the production of pharmaceutical compounds and natural food preservatives. Overall, the best time to harvest sage is mid-July due to the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of its essential oil during this period.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of raspberry fruit extract (Rubus fruticosus L.) on LH, FSH, testosterone serum levels, and number and percentage of sperm motility in male diabetic rats induced with streptozotocin.

In this experimental study, 50 Wistar male rats were used and divided into five groups: (control), diabetic (STZ,55mg/kg, i.p), and treatment groups (DM + raspberry fruit extract: 50, 100, 200 mg/kg/day, 4 weeks). At the end of experiments, the LH, FSH and testosterone serum levels and the number and percentage of sperm motility were examined. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA test.

The LH and FSH serum levels increased significantly in DM group compared with other groups (p<0.05). After treatment with raspberry fruit extract, the LH and FSH serum levels decreased significantly compared with DM group (p<0.05). The testosterone serum level and the number and percentage of sperm motility decreased significantly in the DM group (p<0.05). The use of raspberry fruit extract significantly increased testosterone serum level and the number and percentage of sperm motility in treatment groups (p<0.05).

Our results showed that raspberry fruit extract increased testosterone hormone in DM rats, and also improved spermatogenesis and ameliorating pituitary-gonadal axis function.

 Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is most common reason to re-admission in hospital. The aim of this study is to investigate effect of risk factors such as hypertension, age and type of delivery in mothers on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia based on logistic regression model.

In this descriptive study, the 300 motherchr('39')s documents which refer to hospital for hospitalization their babies were studied. The questionnaire regarding maternal and their neonates were completed and all data were evaluated statistically by logistic method.The results of this study showed that the affection chance in neonates with motherchr('39')s 21-30, 31-35 years old and 36 years old and up compare to neonates with their mothers under 20 years old (reference sheet) were about 2.95, 2.15 and 1.92 manifold respectively. The affection chance for  hyperbilirubinemia in neonates with their mothers which have hypertension was 4 manifold compared to neonates with normal mothers. The affection chance for hyperbilirubinemia in neonates with their pre term  mothers (less than 38 weeks) was 1.76 manifold mothers with complete term( more than 38 weeks). The affection chance for hyperbilirubinemia in neonates with their mothers which delivered naturally 1.56 manifold compared to mothers which labored her babies by cesarean section. There is to calculate probability of hyperbilirubinemia in neonates with using of predictive alternatives of motherchr('39')s age in delivery time, pregnancy hypertension, pregnancy age and type of delivery with logistic regression presentation

This study explained that the motherchr('39')s age in delivery time, pregnancy hypertension, age of gestation and type of labor have effects on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The fitting of logistic regression model on studying data and optimization operations  showed that the motherchr('39')s age under 20 years, without hypertension, term gestation and cesarean delivery have reduce hyperbilirubinemia probability to 26% in neonates.

The aim of this study was to Evaluation of protective effects of raspberry fruit extract (Rubus fruticosus L.) on the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes and serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in male diabetic rats induced with streptozotocin. In this laboratory experimental study Diabetic rats were induced by diabetes induction by intraperitoneal injection of STZ. Raspberry fruit was extracted with the usual method. Rats were randomly divided into five healthy (control), diabetic (DM) and DM + doses (50, 100, 200) mg / kg. After intraperitoneal injection of raspberry fruit extract for 4 weeks, the activity of superoxide dismutase enzymes (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was determined and the data were statically analyzed using ANOVA. SOD and GPx activity and Serum levels of TAC was significantly decreased in DM group compared to other groups (P<0.05). While after treatment, the activity of all two SOD and GPx enzymes and Serum levels of TAC were significantly increased (P<0.05). Serum levels of MDA was significantly increased in the DM group (P<0.05) and significantly decreased after treatment with the extract (P<0.05). Our results indicate that raspberry fruit extract with increased antioxidant activity and capacity, and inhibiting the production of MDA in the serum level of STZ-induced diabetes, induces improved antioxidant activity.

In recent years study of medicinal plants in order to discover new pharmaceutical supplies against microbial strains has been considered very much. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of shoot aqueous and ethanolic extracts of purple coneflower against some gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

This experimental study was conducted in 2018 at Bu- Ali Sina University. Maceration method and solvent of water and ethanol at a ratio of 1 to 5 used for extraction. The total phenolic contents of the extracts were measured by Folin-ciocalteau method. Then, the amount of cichoric acid of purple coneflower was determined using by high performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant activity of different concentration of extracts were assessed by diphenyl picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity and compared with synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT). The micro-organisms investigated in this study were:  Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Listeria innocua, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium and Shigella flexneri. The antimicrobial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts was tested by pour plate, agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. Also interaction of these extracts was also studied by FICindex determination using modified dilution checkboard method. Experimental data were analyzed using ANOVA by the SPSS version 20 software and mean comparison were done using the t-test and Duncan's multiple range test.

The results showed that the ethanolic extract had the highest total phenolic content and cichoric acid. The ability of purple coneflower aqueous and ethanolic extracts in scavenging free radicals was found to be higher in the ethanolic extract with a concentration of 3000 μg/ml. The aqueous extract of purple coneflower at the concentrations of 25 and 50 mg/ml has no inhibitory effect on gram negative bacteria growth. The maximum diameter of inhibition zone of aqueous or ethanolic extracts of this plant in a concentration of 400 mg/ml pertained to the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum zone diameter in this concentration was associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, purple coneflower extracts showed greater inhibitory effect on gram positive bacteria in comparison with gram negative bacteria. Also the results showed that ethanolic extract had greater inhibitory effects on the strains studied compared to aqueous extract. The MIC of purple coneflower ethanolic extract ranged from 16 to 256 mg/ml, depending on the type of bacteria (gram positive or gram negative).

These findings showed that ethanolic extract of purple coneflower has antimicrobial effects on gram positive bacteria and can substitute for chemical preservatives.
Key words: Purple coneflower extract, Phenolic compounds, Cichoric acid, Antimicrobial activity, Radical scavenging

The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Raspberry fruit (Rubus fruticosus L.) on serum lipids levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was investigated in this study. 50 male Wistar rats weighing 20 ± 200g were divided into 5 groups. The non-diabetic control group, the diabetic control group and the three diabetic experimental groups received the hydroalcoholic extract of Raspberry fruit at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg / kg. Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg / kg). After 4 weeks serum samples were collected from all groups and serum lipids were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results The results showed that serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride significantly increased in diabetic group compared to control group (P <0.001), (P <0.05), (P <0.01). While serum HDL level in the diabetic group was lower than the control group (P <0.05). Moreover, serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride significantly decreased in the diabetic group receiving the hydroalcoholic extract of Raspberry (p <0.05), (P <0.01) and (P <0/001) respectively. The serum HDL level in the diabetic group receiving the raspberry hydroalcoholic extract showed a significant increase in comparison with the diabetic group (P <0.05), (P <0.01).Results of this research showed that diabetes increases the risk of undesirable lipids in the blood serum of rats. Hydroalcoholic extract of raspberries has beneficial effects on reducing lipids due to antioxidant activity.

Summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) is an aromatic plant, belonging to Lamiaceae family. The essential oil of this plant is used in medicinal and food industries. The essential oil of summer savory has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The main objective of this study was to identify the chemical composition of aerial parts and evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of summer savory essential oil against a few microorganisms including gram positive, gram negative bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeast.

In this experimental study, shoot essential oil was extracted by hydro-distillation technique using clevenger apparatus. The oil was analyzed by capillary GC and GC/MS. Antioxidant activity of essential oil was assessed by diphenyl picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity and compared with synthetic antioxidant Butylated Hydroxyl Toluene (BHT). Antimicrobial properties of the plant essential oil were determined using micro broth dilution and well disk diffusion methods.

The major components of essential oil were carvacrol (42.10%), thymol (19.74%) and P-cymene (8.19%), respectively. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of summer savory essential oil was 10.63±0.15 μg/ml, while this parameter for BHT 9.45±0.09 μg/ml. Bioassay of essential oil showed that summer savory had strong antimicrobial effects. So that, aerial part essential oil showed the best antifungal activity and this effect is more than the antibacterial activity. The mean diameter of inhibitory growth zone in well disk diffusion method at 15 µl concentration was equal to 31.05±0.57 mm in the case of gram positive bacteria, 21.68±0.40 mm for gram negative ones and 42.76±0.33 mm in the case of filamentous fungi and yeast. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of summer savory essential oil ranged from 0.5 to 16 µl/ml in the case of all microorganisms.

It can be stated that summer savory essential oil on all of yeast and filamentous fungi, gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and gram negative bacteria (Shigella flexneri, Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia) showed more antimicrobial activity than amphotericin B, vancomycin and gentamicin, respectively. Although more research is needed in this field, summer savory essential oil can be used as a new antimicrobial agent in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Serum level of C peptide is considered as one of the indicators of diabetes treatment process. In this study, simultaneous effect of aerobic exercise and Matricaria chamomilla L. flower (MFE) extract, was investigated on the serum level of C peptide in male diabetic rats.

In this experimental study, 24 male Wistar rats (weight range, 200±20g), were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=6): control group (diabetic without treatment and training), MFE (diabetic treated with the extract), aerobic training (diabetic and training), and MFE+aerobic training (diabetic treated with extract+aerobic training). The aerobic training was performed as running on treadmill for 12 weeks (5 days per week, 60min/day, 26meter/min). The rats were diabetized with a single dose of streptozotocin (65mg/kg bw, ip). The MFE groups that daily received 200mg/kg orally (gavaged) along with exercise, were tested for 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk test, one way ANOVA, and Tukey post hoc test at the significant level of p<0.05.

In this study, the serum level of C peptide significantly increased in MFE group, exercise group, and the chamomile extract along with exercise group compared to the control group (p<0.01).

The findings of this research indicated that aerobic exercise and use of MFE caused an increase in the serum level of C peptide in diabetic rats.

Exercise is effective in lowering serum glucose and lipids in diabetic patients. The Matricaria chamomilla L. flower’s extract (MFE) reduces serum lipids. The aim of this experimental study is to investigate the concomitant effects of aerobic exercise and MFE in reducing serum lipid levels in male diabetic rats.

In this experimental study, 24 male Wistar rats (200±20gr) were divided into 4 groups (n=6) randomly: control (diabetic without treatment and training), MFE (diabetic treated with MFE), aerobic training (diabetic and training), and MFE + aerobic training (diabetic treated with MFE + aerobic training). The aerobic training was scheduled as jogging on a treadmill for 12 weeks (5 days per week, 60 min/ day, 26 meters/min.). The diabetic rats received streptozotocin (65mg/kg,ip).

The serum cholesterol level increased significantly compared with MFE, aerobic training, and MFE + aerobic training groups (P<0.001). The triglyceride serum level of MFE, aerobic training and concomitant MFE and aerobic training groups decreased significantly compared with the control group (P<0.01). LDL in MFE, aerobic training, and concomitant MFE + aerobic training groups decreased significantly compared with control group (P<0.001). HDL serum level in MFE, aerobic training, and concomitant MFE + aerobic training groups increased significantly compared with the control group (P<0.01). 

The concomitant use of MFE + aerobic training is more effective in decreasing harmful serum lipids in diabetic male rats.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most important endocrine disorders affecting about 5-10% of women in reproductive age. Some herbs are able to prevent or inhibit the development of syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine and effect of hydroalcoholic extract Zizyphus jujube L. fruit's in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome.

In the present experimental study, 42 immature female Wistar rats, aged 3-4 weeks, weighing 50-70 g were obtained from the Animal Husbandry Center of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. The rats were randomly divided into seven equal groups; Treated with metformin and treatment 1, 2 and 3 were randomly divided. Control group received 0.5 ml of normal saline intraperitoneally. The control group received 250 mg / kg testosterone enanthate dissolved in sesame oil in a subcutaneous injection in the back of the neck. The sham group received 0.5 ml of sesame oil in subcutaneous injection. The metformin-treated group received 250 mg / kg subcutaneous testosterone enantate plus metformin 500 mg / kg by gavage. Treatment groups 1 and 2 received 250 mg / kg testosterone enantate and jujube hydroalcoholic extract at doses of 400 and 800 mg / kg, respectively, for one month. Treatment group 3 received testosterone enantate for 4 weeks and after 4 weeks, they received intraperitoneal injection of jujube extract at a dose of 800 mg / kg for one week. At the end of the experiments, the animals were first anesthetized with ether and tissue samples of the ovaries were prepared for histological examination and H&E staining. Collected data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Tukey post hoc tests.

The results of the present study indicated that testosterone enanthate produced polycystic follicle in rat's ovary. A significant decrease was seen in polycystic ovary in treatment groups with ZHE compared with the witness group (P<0.001).

Zizyphus jujube L is likely improved the polycystic ovary syndrome due to its specific chemicals and compounds such as ascorbic acid, flavonoids, vitamins A and C and calcium

Cyclofosfamide has damage effect on bone marrow and changes blood parameters. The seed of Vitis vinifera L. has anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the Vitis vinifera' seed extract (VSE) on blood parameters in male rat treated by cyclofosfamide.
Methods and Material: 42 adult male Wistar rats (220±20 gr) were devided into 6 groups (n=7) randomly. The control group (0.5 ml normal saline- daily, i.p), witness group (15 mg/kg cyclophosphamide, i.p), positive control group (200mg/kg VSE, i.p), treated groups1,2 & 3 (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg & 400 mg/kg VSE + 15 mg/kg cyclophosphamide daily, i.p, for 10 days). At the end of examinations, the animals were anesthetized with ethyl ether and blood samples were collected from heart directly. The blood parameters such as RBC, WBC, PL, HB and Hct were analysed.

The blood cells and platelets were decreased in witness group comparing with control group significantly (p<0.001). The RBC, WBC, PL and hemoglobin significantly increased in positive control group compare to cyclophosphamide treated group (p<0.001). In treated groups with cyclophosphamide + VSE the blood cells and PL increased significantly compared with witness group (p<0.01).

The use of VSE has protective effects on blood parameters in rats induced with cyclophosphamide.

The use of over doses of acetaminophen lead to liver and kidney necrosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Zataria multiflora extract (ZME) on male rats treated with acetaminophen. In this experimental study, 42 Wistar male rats (220-250 gr) were divided in 6 groups randomly: Control (normal saline 0.5ml, i.p), witness (acetaminophen 250mg/kg, orally), positive control (ZME, 200mg/kg, i.p), treatment groups 1, 2 and 3(acetaminophen 250mg/kg, orally and100, 200 and 400mg/kg ZME, i.p). For 10 days. After examination the animals were anesthetized by ethylene ether and blood samples were collect from heart directly and AST, ALT, ALP GGT, Total- protein, albumin and IL- 1β were analyzed. Also the liver tissue were removed and fixed by formaldehyde 10% for histopathological evaluation. The serum levels of liver enzymes reduced and albumin and total-P
Increased significantly compared with witness group (p<0.001). Histopathological studdings were showed inflammation and necrosis in hepatocytes of witness group compare with control and treated groups. Zataria multiflora extract with effective chemical compounds can protect the liver against the toxic effects of acetaminophen.

Poisoning with tetra carbon chloride produces free radicals in the body tissues including testes. In this research the protective effect of Avicennia marina leaf extract on the rat's spermatogenesis and the serum level of testosterone and LH&FSH induced with carbon tetra chloride are studied.
In this experimental study, 42 rats were divided into six groups including control group(receiving saline normal), sham( receiving olive oil), group induced by CCl4 ( receiving 2ml/kg carbon tetra chloride with 1:1 percent and olive oil featured as single dose), and experiment groups 1, 2, and 3(receiving 2ml/kg carbon tetra chloride with 1:1 percent and olive oil featured as single dose and the extract with daily dosages of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg, and 800mg/kg). Two hours after injecting carbon tetra chloride, the extract was injected into peritonea once every 24 hours for 96 hours.
The normal and disable sperms in the group induced by CCl4 shows a significant reduction (P Avicennia marina leaf extract has protective effect against toxic effects of carbon tetra chloride because it contains anti-oxidants.

Carbon tetrachloride is one of the chemical toxins widely used in hygiene industries. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Echinophora platyloba extract (EPE) on serum levels of testosterone and gonadotropins in male rats induced with carbon tetrachloride.
In this experimental study 49 male Wistar rats (220-250 g) were randomly divided into seven groups (n=7): Control group (2 ml/kg normal saline, daily for 4 days, ip), toxicant group (2 ml/kg CCl4ꉘ oil.1:1, single dose ,ip), sham group (2 ml/kg olive oil, single dose, ip), positive control group (400 mg/kg EPE daily for 4 days, ip), toxicant-treated groups 1, 2 and 3 (CCl4 olive oil.1:1, single dose and 200 and 400 and 800 mg/kg of EPE, respectively, daily for 4 days, ip). At the end of the treatments, serum testosterone and FSH & LH hormones were measured.
CCL4 resulted in significantly decreased testosterone and increased FSH & LH serum levels in the toxicant group compared with the control group (P Hydro-ethanolic E. platyloba extract increased serum levels of testosterone and decreased FSH and LH serum levels in male rats induced with CCL4.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a toxic agent leading to hepatotoxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Agrimonia eupatoria leaf hydroalcoholic extract (AEE) on carbon tetrachloride induced rat liver.
In this study, 42 male rats were randomly allocated to 6 groups: the control group receiving normal saline, 2ml/kg, ip and the sham group receiving olive oil, 2ml/kg, ip, the CCl4 induced group receiving carbon tetrachloride/olive oil (1:1), 2ml/kg, single dose, ip. The treated groups (1, 2 and 3) were induced by carbon tetrachloride 1:1 with olive oil, 2ml/kg, single dose, ip and after two hours underwent treatment by 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg AEE/day for 96 hrs, ip. Then, the blood samples were collected from their heart directly and subsequently serum levels of the liver enzymes were measured. The microscopic studies of liver tissue were performed. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey tests.
The results of this study showed that the serum levels of liver enzymes significantly increased in the group receiving CCl4 compared to the control group. Meanwhile, treatment by AEE significantly decreased the serum levels of liver enzymes in treated groups compared to the group receiving CCl4 (P Carbon tetrachloride can bring about necrosis and inflammation effects on the liver tissue. AEE can decrease toxic effects of carbon tetrachloride in the liver tissue by reducing the serum levels of liver enzymes.