جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « anti oxidant » در نشریات گروه « پزشکی »

Rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition, occurs when myoglobin is released from damaged muscle cells, leading to acute kidney injury (AKI). Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), an organosulfur compound known for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, was examined in this study for its potential impact on rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI in rats. 

Six groups of rats were included in the study, with each group consisting of six rats (n=6): Control, rhabdomyolysis, rhabdomyolysis treated with different doses of ALA (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg), and ALA alone (20 mg/kg) groups. Rhabdomyolysis was induced by intramuscular injection of glycerol on the first day of the experiment, while ALA was administered intraperitoneally for four consecutive days. Renal function parameters, oxidative stress markers, and histological changes in the kidneys were evaluated. Western blot analysis was performed to measure the levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) proteins.

A significant increase in serum urea, creatinine, renal malondialdehyde, NGAl, and TNF-α protein levels was observed in glycerol-injected rats. In addition, a significant decrease in glutathione was recorded. Compared to the rhabdomyolysis group, treatment with ALA recovered kidney histological and biochemical abnormalities. 

Results suggest that rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Treatment with ALA improved kidney histological abnormalities and reduced oxidative stress markers in rats. Therefore, ALA may have a potential protective effect against rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI.

During aging, cerebral structures undergo changes due to oxidative stress. The consumption of some plants seems to improve neurological health. For example, rosemary extract (RE) which is widely used as a flavoring food has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. Therefore, we aimed to study the effect of RE on the changes related to the aging process in the prefrontal cortex (PFC).

Twenty-four male Wistar rats including young and old were purchased. Each group was divided into two subgroups: vehicle and rosemary (old vehicle (OV), old rosemary (OR), young vehicle (YV), and young rosemary (YR) groups). Then, we examined the number of intact neurons, myelin base protein (MBP), white matter (WM), levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the PFC. 

The results showed that in the old vehicle rats compared to the young group without treatment, except for the MDA level (which increased), other variables significantly decreased (P≤0.05). Additionally, RE consumption demonstrated a significant elevation of WMA, MBP intensity, number of intact neurons, and GPx activity level, while MDA levels significantly reduced in the treated old rats compared to the old vehicle group (P≤0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the OR and YV groups (P≥0.05). 

Overall, it seems that RE can protect and improve aging damages in the PFC due to its anti-oxidant properties. So, the use of RE can be a suitable strategy to prevent aging complications in the brain.

This study focused on the evaluation of antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of polyherbal extract (PHE), containing Cassia absus (L.), Gymnema sylvestre (R. Br.), Nigella sativa (L.), and Piper nigrum (L.), in alloxan-induced diabetes model.

In vitro, HPLC characterization, DPPH scavenging assay, and α-amylase inhibition test were conducted. In vivo, acute oral toxicity of PHE was assessed. Alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats (n=6) were orally treated with PHE (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg/day) and glibenclamide (GLB; 10 mg/kg/day) for six consecutive weeks. Then, biochemical biomarkers, oxidative stress parameters, histopathological examination, and mRNA expression levels (RT-qPCR) were determined.

The presence of polyphenols in PHE was confirmed in correlation to marked DPPH scavenging (IC50: 1.60 mg/ml) and α-amylase inhibition (IC50: 0.82 mg/ml). PHE demonstrated no toxicity in rats up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg. In diabetic rats, PHE dose-dependently ameliorated the serum levels of glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), leptin, and glucokinase (GCK). Also, PHE substantially alleviated serum inflammatory markers (TNF-α and CRP) and oxidative stress indicators (MDA, SOD, and CAT) in pancreatic tissues. PHE, particularly at 600 mg/kg, attenuated cellular oxidative stress via modulating the mRNA expression levels of genes regulating MAPK/JNK (Mapk-8, Traf-4, and Traf-6) and Nrf-2/Keap-1 pathways and promoted insulin signaling through up-regulating insulin signaling cascade (Pdx-1, Ins-1, and Ins-2), as compared to GLB. Furthermore, histopathological findings supported the aforementioned results.

Our study suggests that polyherbal extract has promising antioxidant and antidiabetic activities by modulating the MAPK/JNK, Nrf-2/Keap-1, and insulin signaling pathways.

Lactofermentation by probiotics would help valorize ENUS (edible neglected and underutilized species). Probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are considered as vectors of molecules of nutrition-health interest. This study has isolated and screened Lactobacillus plantarum strains with potential probiotic aptitudes from neglected edible vegetableand fruits of Côte D’ivoire. Three L. plantarum strains (Pa6, A6, and Pe3) isolated from Ivorian ENUS (passion fruit, garlic and parsley) were isolated and screened for potential probiotic aptitudes from neglected edible vegetable and fruits of Côte D’ivoire. The screening of three strains revealed that they presented interesting probiotic potentialities (hydrophobicity values higher than 65% and pH=2, 0.3% bile salt, antibiotic and intestinal microbial pathogens resistances, respectively). They also presented antioxidant (14.51±0.39-39.48±0.88%), anti-inflammatory (8.88±00.00% 78.61%±00.00%) and exopolysaccharide aptitudes, respectively. They synthetized degradinganti-nutritional- factor enzymes (phytase and tannase) and cell-walldegrading enzymes (amylase and cellulase). They fermented the indigestible sugar raffinose, survived at 6.5% NaCl for Pa6 and Pe3, pH=9 and 45°C for Pe3. These strains with such interesting technological properties would be suitable for industry in general, and particularly as starters for the controlled fermentation of Ivorian ENUS.

Several lines of research have shown that hepatic fibrosis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Trans-chalcone is a flavonoid precursor with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study was conducted to examine the antifibrotic properties of trans-chalcone on bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver cholestasis in rats.  Following the BDL operation, trans-chalcone at doses of 12, 24, and 50 mg/kg was administered orally once a day for 45 consecutive days. Serum levels of liver indices, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total and direct bilirubin, and lipid profile in addition to blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, were measured. Additionally, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were assessed in liver homogenates. Histopathological evaluations were performed using Masson trichrome (MT) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.  The elevated levels of liver enzymes, total and direct bilirubin, BUN, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) induced by BDL were significantly reduced following trans-chalcone administration; while serum level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased. Besides, treatment with trans-chalcone elevated the activities of CAT and SOD in the liver tissues of the animals with BDL surgery. According to MT and H&E staining, BDL-induced histopathological changes, including infiltration of inflammatory cells, hepatocyte necrosis, ductal hyperplasia, and collagen deposition were ameliorated using trans-chalcone administration.  It can be concluded from the present study that trans-chalcone, possibly by its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may exert hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects in BDL-induced liver fibrosis. v

The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of administered diosgenin (DG) which has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, on alveolar bone loss (ABL) and apoptosis in diabetic rats with periodontitis.  Forty male Wistar albino rats (n=40) were divided into five subgroups; control (non-ligated), periodontitis (P), diabetes mellitus (DM), P+DM, and P+DM+DG. To stimulate experimental periodontitis, a ligature was embedded at the gingival margin of the lower first molars for each rat, and diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) for DM groups. Then, DG (96 mg/kg daily) was performed on the P+DM+DG group by oral gavage for 29 days. At day 30, all animals were euthanized and the distance from the cement-enamel junction to the alveolar bone margin was measured using cone-beam computed tomography as ABL. In addition, immunohistochemical analyses were used to evaluate the expression levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), collagen type I (Col-1), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax).  Induction of periodontitis and diabetes significantly increased ABL (P<0.05). DG administration significantly reduced ABL, expression of RANKL and Bax, and enhanced the expression of ALP, OCN, BMP-2, Bcl-2, and Col-1 in the P+DM+DG group compared with the P+DM group (P<0.05).  It is revealed that DG considerably enhanced bone formation and contributed to periodontal healing in this experimental study performed in diabetic rats.

Vitamin C has anti-oxidant benefits in the gastrointestinal tract and heart. This study investigated the effect of vitamin C on some gastric parameters in myocardial injury in rats.  Thirty Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 6). Group 1 was the control and Group 2 (ADR) received 1 mg/kg of adrenaline subcutaneously on days 13 and 14. Group 3 received vitamin C (200 mg/kg) orally for 14 days. Group 4 received adrenaline (1 mg/kg) on days 1 and 2 and vitamin C from days 1 to 14. Group 5 received vitamin C till day 14 and adrenaline on days 13 and 14. All animals were sacrificed after 2 hr of pyloric ligation. Gastric secretion parameters were assessed while a blood sample was obtained for biochemical analysis.  Gastric juice volume, total gastric acidity, pepsin activity, cardiac troponin 1, creatine kinase-MB, and lactate dehydrogenase levels increased (P<0.05) in ADR only group relative to the control. Pre- and post-vitamin C treatment reduced (P<0.05) these markers to near normal. However, treatment with vitamin C reduced (P<0.05) ulcer score, and increased (P<0.05) pepsin activity, mucus weight, and serum vitamin C levels when compared with the ADR-only group. Pre-treatment with vitamin C resulted in a marked decrease (P<0.05) in gastric juice volume, pepsin activity, and total gastric acidity compared with post-treatment in the adrenaline-induced injury group. Vitamin C pretreatment reduces excessive gastric secretions, ulcer scores, and attenuates cardio-inflammatory responses in adrenaline-augmented myocardial injury in rats.

Boswellia essential oil possesses bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-oxidant and antiangiogenic activities of nanoemulsion prepared from Boswellia essential oil.

In this study, an oil-in-water nanoemulsion was prepared using the ultrasonic method and Boswellia essential oil (the oil phase) and Tween 80 surfactant, and water (the aqueous phase). Droplet size, dispersion index, and zeta potential of the prepared nanoemulsion were evaluated, and the ability of the nanoemulsion to inhibit DPPH free radicals was measured. Also, the angiogenic activity of the nanoemulsion was investigated using the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model.

The formulated nanoemulsion revealed particles with a spherical shape, average size of 58.29 nm, a dispersion index of 0.29, and a zeta potential of -28.87. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image of the nanoemulsion shown that  the particles were almost uniformly spherical. The anti-oxidant activity of Boswellia essential oil, enclosed in O/W emulsion, was confirmed via the DPPH free radical inhibition assay with an IC50 of 61.92 μg/mL. In addition, the nanoemulsion was shown to inhibit the growth of new vessels in the CAM model, indicating anti-angiogenic effects.

Our findings suggest that due to anti-oxidant and anti-angiogenic effects, nanoemulsion loaded with Boswellia essential oil can be used as a therapeutic agent.

Zingiber officinale (Ginger) is a flowering plant that was once utilized in Chinese medicine, Indian medicine, and Greek herbal therapy to treat many illnesses.

Different parts of this plant, for example, roots and rhizomes, and its extract are widely used as a spice and traditional medicine. It has been shown that ginger has several therapeutic properties, including reducing inflammation, preventing cancer, lowering blood sugar and lipids, regulating the immune system, anti-apoptotic and anti-nausea, and anti-vomiting effects. In addition, nervous diseases, colds, rheumatism, gingivitis, toothaches, asthma, stroke, constipation, and diabetes have been treated with ginger. Ginger is also a powerful antioxidant and can prevent the production and activity of free radicals. Moreover, ginger extract has been utilized as a diaphoretic and anti-flatulent medication for gastrointestinal spasms. It's also used to treat indigestion and colic pain in the intestines.

In this contribution, we provide an overview of various reports of ginger properties in clinical studies and its effects on the treatment of diseases. In addition to summarizing the present literature. This study highlights the potential of this field to open up new avenues for researchers.

This study investigated the therapeutic effect of red hot pepper (Capsicum annuum) methanolic extract in induced Alzheimer’s disease using AlCl3 in male rats. 

Rats were injected with AlCl3 intraperitoneally (IP) daily for two months. Starting from the 2nd month of AlCl3, rats received, in addition, IP treatments with Capsicum extract (25, 50 mg/kg) or saline. Other groups received only saline or Capsicum extract at 50 mg/kg for two months. Brain levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined.  Additionally, paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity, interleukin-6 (IL-6), Aβ-peptide, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) concentrations in the brain were measured. Behavioral testing included wire-hanging tests for neuromuscular strength and memory tests such as Y-maze and Morris water maze. Histopathology of the brain was also done.  

Compared with saline-treated rats, AlCl3 caused significant elevation of brain oxidative stress as GSH level and PON-1 activity were depleted along with MDA and NO level elevation in the brain. There were also significant increases in brain Aβ-peptide, IL-6, and AChE levels. Behavioral testing indicated that AlCl3 decreased neuromuscular strength and impaired memory performance. Capsicum extract given to AlCl3-treated rats significantly alleviated oxidative stress and decreased Aβ-peptide and IL-6 in the brain. It also improved grip strength and memory functioning and prevented neuronal degeneration in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and substantia nigra of AlCl3-treated rats. 

Short-term administration of ASA (50 mg/kg) has adverse effects on male reproductive function in mice. Co-administration of melatonin protects against ASA-induced impairment of male reproductive function by preventing the reduction in serum TAC and testosterone levels seen with ASA treatment alone.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a global health problem with a high economic burden. Intratracheal administration of bleomycin is the best model that resembles the pathogenesis of PF in humans. Recently, vinpocetine proved to have neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-aging, and antifibrotic effects through its anti-oxidant, immunomodulating, and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study investigated the antifibrotic potentiality of vinpocetine in a rat model of PF induced by intratracheal bleomycin administration. 

PF induced by a single intratracheal instillation of 5 mg/kg bleomycin in nine-week-old Wister rats. Oral vinpocetine was used at doses of 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg to treat PF for 21 days immediately after the bleomycin instillation. 

Vinpocetine dose-dependently ameliorates PF induced by bleomycin administration since vinpocetine effectively restored the normal body weight gain rates, pulmonary architecture, and collagen fiber distribution and suppressed the elevated BALF cell count, lymphocytes and neutrophils percentage, BALF, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 levels and LDH activity, lung tissue MDA level, PDE activity, hydroxyproline content, immunohistochemical expression of α-SMA and CD68 positive macrophage, and fibrosis score. Meanwhile, it efficiently augmented the reduced BALF macrophage percentage, IL-10 level, lung tissue GSH level, CAT, and SOD activities. 

Vinpocetine may propose a new promising agent to manage PF.

Carveol is a naturally occurring terpenoid with antispasmodic, carminative, astringent, indigestion, and dyspepsia properties, as well as anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-hyperlipidemia, and anti-inflammatory properties in the liver. Research also suggests that it has memory-enhancing and anti-oxidant properties. The purpose of this research was to see whether carveol could protect rats against scopolamine-induced memory loss in a rat model. 

Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats (200–250 g) were grouped as the saline group receiving saline, disease group receiving scopolamine, and four treatment groups among which three groups received scopalamine+carveol and one group received scopalamine+donepezil for 28 days. Followed by in vitro, behavioral, anti-oxidant, and molecular studies were done. P<0.005 was considered  statistically significant.

The in vitro assay showed that carveol caused diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl inhibition. In-vivo findings revealed that carveol (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) significantly improved dementia by reducing escape latency and spending more time in the targeted quadrant in the Morris water maze test. Increased number of entries and percent spontaneous alterations were observed in rats’ Y-maze test. In animal brain tissues, i.e., cortex and hippocampus, carveol enhanced glutathione, glutathione-s-transferase, catalase, and reduced lipid peroxide levels. Carveol also improved cellular architecture in histopathological examinations and decreased expression of inflammatory markers such as amyloid-beta, nuclear factor kappa light chain activated B cells, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, cyclooxygenase 2, prostaglandin E2, and interleukin-18, as evidenced by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, as well as molecular investigations. 

This study suggests that the compound could be potent against amnesia mediated through anti-oxidant, amyloid-beta inhibition, and anti-inflammatory pathways.

We aimed to investigate the gastroprotective effect of lactoferrin (LF; 100 & 300 mg/kg) in male Wistar rats versus gastric ulcers induced by 96% ethanol.

Rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups: control, ethanol, ethanol+LF100, and ethanol+LF300. LF100 & 300 were given 15 days before ulcer induction. At the end of the experiment, the gastric mucosa was examined macroscopically and microscopically.

The ethanol group showed damage and degeneration of the stomach mucosa in addition to elevation of oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers. LF showed explicit healing of the gastric mucosal damage. LF reduced gastric malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). On the other hand, LF elevated the depleted reduced glutathione (GSH) and Nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2 (Nrf2).

Our current study is the first to study the antiulcer effect of LF via its potential modulatory effects on the ROS/ICAM-1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Moreover, we concluded that pretreatment with LF100 & 300 mitigated the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer via modulation of both oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

Traditional herbal drugs are widely used for the treatment of various diseases. Ellagic acid (EA) as an herbal polyphenol metabolite exists in many medicinal plants. EA has an important role against natural and chemical toxicities due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For this review, several search engines or databases such as PubMed, Scopus, the Web of Science, and Google Scholar were used, and the most relevant published papers till February 2022 were included.The protective effects of EA against natural and chemical compounds are mediated through molecular mechanisms including scavenging of free radicals, modulation of proinflammatory cytokine synthesis, and reduction of lipid peroxidation. These properties make EA a highly fascinating compound that may contribute to different aspects of health; whereas, more studies are needed, especially on the pharmacokinetic profile of EA. In this review, we selected articles that include the protective effect of EA against several synthetic and natural toxins such as aflatoxin, lipopolysaccharide, acrylamide, and rotenone.

The study was aimed at synthesis of the new derivatives of the pyrazolone nucleus, and their spectroscopic and pharmacological analysis and evaluation. 

Three series of compounds, with 2-picolinic acid (I a-d), 3-picolinic acid (II a-d), and 4-picolinic acid (III a-d) were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, 1HNMR, 13C NMR, elemental, and melting points. The new compounds were then evaluated for their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-epileptic potential. The hind paw edema model was used to screen anti-inflammatory potential, while the anticonvulsant effect was evaluated by employing the acute model of anti-epileptic activity. The in vivo anti-oxidant potential was determined through glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase, and lipid peroxidase enzyme (LPO) assays. The expression of key biomarkers involved in inflammation and neuroprotection, including tumor necrotic factors alpha (TNF-α) and phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), was detected through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis. 

The tested compounds showed anti-oxidant potential. The selected compounds exhibited good anti-inflammatory potential. The PTZ-induced elevation of these inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress were ameliorated significantly by the selected compound Ic. Results of molecular analysis (ELISA and Western blot analysis) for potent compound Ic showed a prominent inhibitory effect against neuroinflammatory mediators, including TNF-α and NF-κB. 

It is concluded that the derivative Ic ameliorated PTZ-induced seizures, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cascades by regulating the NF-κB/ TNF-α/ROS pathway.

Camel milk has been recognized for its health benefits since ancient times and has recently been attracting increasing attention as a form of medical treatment for diverse human diseases. Studies on the health benefits of camel milk attributed its medicinal effects to nutritional status, but the molecular mechanisms of proteins involved in such effects remain unknown.

The aim of this study was to explore the anticancer properties of camel milk proteins (CMPs).

CMPs were fractionated into camel casein proteins (CCPs) and camel whey proteins (CWPs). The CWP exhibited the most potent anticancer activity against colon (HCT-116) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cells. The CWP was further fractionated into cationic and anionic proteins using HiTrap cationic (SP-XL) and anionic (QFF) exchange columns.

QFF-bound proteins (QFF-B) exhibited the strongest anticancer activities against both cancer cells. QFF-B proteins produced three peaks (P1~P3) on RP-HPLC, whereas P3 showed superior anticancer activity. The cytotoxic effects of CWP and QFF-B proteins are associated with increased production of intracellular ROS and subsequent apoptosis in both cancer cells. MALDI-TOF-MS identified lactophorin, glycation-dependent cell adhesion molecule1 (GlyCAM-1), and its three driven fragments as dominant peptides in QFF-B, while RP-HPLC-P3 contained two of them with molecular masses of 8080.3 and 9395.6 Da. The two peptides, both derived from the C-terminal of lactophorin, were the most representative peptides in the most active protein fractions (QFF-B and RP-HPLC-P3).

The results highlight for the first time that lactophorin is the major anti-cancer ingredient in camel milk and its unique C-terminal peptides present potential candidacy as anticancer agents in nutraceutical and pharmacological applications.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of berberine (BBR) on diclofenac sodium-induced testicular impairment in mice.  Eighteen male mice were divided randomly and equally into three groups for three weeks. One group was kept as control, the second group was injected intraperitoneally with diclofenac sodium (DS) at a dose of 10 mg/kg BW daily during the second and third weeks. The third group received daily oral administration of BBR at a dose of 50 mg/kg BW throughout the whole period of the experiment in parallel with the injection of the above-mentioned dose of DS during the second and third weeks. Plasma testosterone as well as testicular lipid peroxides (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were evaluated. In paraffin-embedded testicular tissues, histological examination, immuno-expression of glutathione reductase (GR), and TUNEL assay were carried out.  Testosterone levels were within the normal range in all groups. BBR decreased testicular LPO and induced SOD and GSH without marked changes in CAT and NO. The histology of testis was improved and, regularity and integrity of seminiferous tubules basement membranes, and distribution and amount of peritubular collagen fibers were normalized. BBR treated group showed few positive GR immuno-expression in spermatogenic cells and negative GR immuno-expression in interstitial cells of Leydig along with a few apoptotic spermatogenic cells.  BBR is effective in protecting against DS-induced testicular dysfunction by improving oxidant/anti-oxidant balance and blocking the apoptotic cascade.

Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. commonly known as "meadowsweet", is a perennial herb native to Iran, Europe, and Western Asia. Several medicinal properties of the plant have been reported in Persian medicine. Filipendula ulmaria is traditionally used for fever, pain, inflammatory diseases (arthrosis, rheumatism, and arthritis), gastric disorders, liver dysfunction, and gout. The phytochemical studies indicate the presence of several active compounds, mainly phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. Salicylic acid and its derivatives are the most important compounds found in essential oil and extracts of different parts of the plant. Pharmacological evaluations have shown the anti-arthritis, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-coagulant, anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, gastro-protective, and hepato-protective activity of F. ulmaria. Despite pharmacological activities, traditional uses and herbal supplements, there is no complete review article on this herb's properties. In this paper, we have provided a review on traditional uses, phytochemicals, pharmacological properties and medical information of this valuable medicinal plant.

Free radicals impair the cellular and tissue homeostasis, which can cause cancer. Hypnea musiformis is a red seaweed and rich source of secondary antioxidant metabolites. These metabolites probably are effective in cancer treatment. In the present study, the phenolic and flavonoid content of the hydro-methanolic extract of Hypnea musiformis were determined respectively by the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum-chloride assay. The monovalent reducing power and total radical scavenging activity of the extract were also evaluated respectively by FRAP and DPPH assay. The cytotoxic effects of the extract were evaluated by MTT assay on MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cell lines. Morphological changes of the cell lines were also examined by invert microscope. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test in GraphPad Prism 8.0.2 software. The results of the study indicate that the phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract respectively were 14.05 ± 2.39 µgGAE/mg and 39.08 ± 8.78 µgQE/mg. The monovalent reducing power of the extract was 243.32 ± 27.86 μmol Fe2+/g and its total radical scavenging activity (in 1000 µg/ml) was 18.75 ± 1.51 %. The cytotoxic effects of the extract on MDA-MB-231 were higher than MCF7 cell line, significantly (P <0.05). The IC50 value of the extract on MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells respectively was 634.5 and 826.8 µg/ml, after 72 hours of incubation. The morphological changes of treated cell line include cell granulation, cell contraction and rupture in a concentration and time dependent pattern. The cytotoxic effects of Hypnea musiformis extract were not dependent on estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors. Therefore, the hydromethanolic extract of Hypnea musiformis probably is a favorable option in drug discovery against the triple-negative tumors.

Echinacea purpurea is a flowering plant commonly used as an herbal medicine despite insufficient scientific bases to validate its usage. The present study aimed to examine in vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective effects of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of E. purpurea flowers.

In vitro protection against hepato-cytotoxicity was carried out on human HepG-2 cells using colorimetric tetrazolium (MTT) assay, while the in vivo hepatoprotective activity was studied against carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4) induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats.

The results revealed that the extracts of E. purpurea induced discernable in vitro protection on HepG-2 cells and in vivo against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. Both extracts were significantly able to restore the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, total protein, and albumin to normal levels compared to the CCl4 intoxicated group. In addition, the extracts markedly mitigated the oxidative stress by decreasing Malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) markers compared to the CCl4 intoxicated group. It was also associated with the down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in liver tissues. Histopathological examination revealed a decrease in hepatocytes’ degenerative changes and noticeable improvement of the liver damage by extracts of E. purpurea.

These findings have proven that aqueous and alcoholic extracts of E. purpurea flowers have a significant hepatoprotective effect, probably owing to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities, and regulating apoptotic-related genes. This confirms the ethnomedicinal uses of E. purpurea in patients suffering from liver diseases.