جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « Medicinal plants » در نشریات گروه « پزشکی »

Medicinal plants and phytochemicals are some of the major sources in the treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There is no FDA-approved drug to target AD pathology directly. Full cognitive restoration and management of psychosis-like symptoms are still to be achieved. Being comparatively safer with fewer side effects, medicinal plants have been among the major areas of interest to be researched. Several mechanistic pathways are involved in AD including anticholinesterase activity, glutamate toxicity, free radicals generation, Amyloid β (Aβ) toxicity, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Various phytochemicals such as paenol, andrographolide, isoquercitrin, flavonoids, and saponins obtained from different plant sources, various medicinal plants like Spirulina maxima, Salicornia europaea, Curcuma longa, Citrus Junos Tanaka, Cassiae semen, Centella asiatica as well as various traditional medicinal plants of China, Asia, Europe, Turkey, and Iran have been found effective against one or more of these targets. Large numbers of clinical trials are under process to evaluate the role of different phytoconstituents in AD management. Out of 143 agents under clinical trials, 119 have been categorized as disease-modifying agents. The present review extensively covers the recent advancements in the usage of phytochemicals and medicinal plants in various experimental AD models. It involves clinical trials and other research works divided into three sections, including those performed in vitro, in vivo, and in humans mainly from the last five years along with disease markers and mechanistic pathways involved. However, phytochemicals should be explored further in order to achieve neurorestoration in AD.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia, characterized by cognitive decline that is more pronounced than expected for age. While the exact mechanisms underlying MCI remain elusive, mounting evidence suggests that impaired mitophagy, a cellular process responsible for removing damaged mitochondria, may contribute to its development. Medicinal plants, rich in bioactive compounds, have shown promise in treating MCI. This review explores the potential of medicinal plants to ameliorate MCI by modulating mitophagy. We delve into the intricate interplay between mitophagy dysfunction and MCI, highlighting the pathways involved. Furthermore, we examine the reported effects of various medicinal plants on mitophagy, emphasizing their potential to restore mitochondrial homeostasis and protect cognitive function. Finally, we discuss future research directions and perspectives on the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in MCI management.

Inhibition of tumor angiogenesis is a promising strategy employed in the treatment of various cancer types. Its clinical effectiveness is however constrained due to the adverse side effects of antiangiogenic drugs. There is growing interest in the use of medicinal plants for the development of novel drugs with enhanced efficacy. In the present study, we have evaluated three evergreen plants namely, Alstonia scholaris, Polyalthia longifolia, and Terminalia catappa for antiangiogenic properties. The leaf extracts of the selected plants were investigated for antiproliferative effects on cervical cancer (SiHa) and Human endothelial (HUVEC) cell lines. The anti-angiogenic properties were evaluated in vitro using HUVEC tube formation and cell migration assays, and in vivo using chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. They were further assessed for the expression of key angiogenesis-promoting genes HIF1 α, COX-2, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 using quantitative real-time PCR.  The three samples showed significant inhibition of the growth and differentiation of HUVEC cells, as well as the vascularization of CAM layer. Additionally, the extracts displayed a notable down-regulatory effect on the expression of angiogenesis promoter genes. Terminalia catappa demonstrated the highest efficacy in downregulating all genes. Polyalthia longifolia and Alstonia scholaris exhibited selective inhibition of HIF1 α and VEGFA genes, indicating variations in their anti-angiogenesis potential. The study highlighted the remarkable efficacy of Terminalia catappa in inhibiting angiogenesis and its associated genes across multiple pathways. Overall, the study, for the first time, identified the promising potential of three natural candidates for arresting angiogenesis.

Plants from the genus Sanguisorba have been the center of attention for many years in different societies due to their medicinal properties. Two main genera; great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis L.) and small burnet (Sansguisorba minor Scop.), have been investigated in many studies to reveal their activities. The literature was comprehensively surveyed via Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar using appropriate keywords to collect data on the updated phytochemical analysis of the plant spp. and discuss their biological properties. Phytochemical study of Sanguisorba spp. mainly indicated the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and terpenoids. The plants have shown anticancer, antioxidative, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-Alzheimer’s disease, and anti-inflammatory activity. The lack of toxicity and potent biological activity of Sansguisorba spp. made them valuable resources for the development of supplements in the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

Ear pain (earache) in children and infants often occurs when the ear canal becomes blocked, preventing fluid from draining. This blockage can lead to ear infections, causing pressure on the eardrum and resulting in pain. Other factors contributing to ear pain include infections, inflammation, fluid buildup, injury, and various health conditions. Ear pain is a particularly distressing condition. In Iranian traditional medicine, medicinal plants have long been used to alleviate ear pain in children. The aim of this study is to identify the medicinal plants effective in treating ear pain in children within the context of Iranian traditional medicine.

A comprehensive search was conducted using keywords such as "medicinal plants," "traditional medicine," and "migraine" across reputable scientific databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. In the next phase, the extracted articles were carefully evaluated, and those not directly related to the research topic were excluded. Ultimately, only traditional sources that specifically examined the impact of medicinal plants on treating ear pain in children were selected for further review and analysis.

 In Iranian traditional medicine, a variety of medicinal plants are used to treat ear pain in children. These include cinnamon, clove, lavender, olive, garlic, licorice, eucalyptus, mint, onion, apple, ginger, radish, basil, echinacea, purslane, and chamomile.

 Medicinal plants in Iranian traditional medicine are popular and trusted options for treating ear pain in children due to their natural properties and minimal side effects. These plants, with their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing compounds, can help reduce pain and inflammation in children's ears. Utilizing medicinal plants is not only a natural and cost-effective treatment method but also culturally and historically significant, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Iranian traditional medicine. However, given the sensitivity of treating children, these remedies should be used under the supervision of a physician or a traditional medicine specialist to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

Dental plaque, a flexible white or yellow-gray substance, significantly contributes to periodontal diseases. This study aims to identify medicinal plants used in traditional Iranian medicine for controlling and treating dental plaque.

Keywords such as medicinal plant, traditional medicine, and dental plaque were utilized to search SID, Google Scholar, Magian, PubMed, and Scopus databases. The article abstracts were reviewed, with irrelevant studies excluded and relevant ones selected for analysis.

The findings revealed that medicinal plants like coconut, aloe vera, clove, orange, rosemary, black tea, mango, chebulic myrobalan, miswak, turmeric, barberry, licorice, pomegranate, and black mulberry are essential in traditional Iranian medicine for managing dental plaque.

The medicinal plants identified in this study suggest that herbal antioxidants with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties could effectively combat dental plaque.

The skin is a barrier between the human body and the external environment and protects the body against external chemical and physical factors. Despite major advances in wound treatment, wound healing remains one of the most important challenges ahead. Some medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties are effective in healing and repairing wounds. The present study is a review of medicinal plants that are used in the ethnobotanical knowledge of western Iran for wound healing in skin wounds.

In this study, the keywords of medicinal plants, wound healing, skin wound, West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Ilam, Khuzestan and ethnobotany were used to search for articles. The investigated databases were Google Scholar, SID, Megaran, PubMed, Scopus. Related ethnobotanical articles were used to review the texts.

Based on the obtained results, it was determined that medicinal plants such as Sisymbrium sophia L, Fumaria officinalis L., Plantago major L., Alcea spp., Urtica spp., Astragalus gossypinus Fischer., Fumaria officinalis, Iperata cylindrica (L.), Polygonum aviculare L., Sanguisorba minor Scop., Alcea angulata, Aristolochia olivieri, Calendula persica, Citrullus colocynthis, Fumaria parviflora, Nerium oleander, Scrophularia striata, Allium schoenoprasum, Ixiolirion tataricum, Thymus Kotchyanous, Adonis aestivalis, Cardaria draba, Althaea officinalis, Beta vulgaris , Carthamus tinetorius L., Chrysanthemum coronarium, Helianthus annus L., Matricaria recutita L. and Vicia sativa are medicinal plants that heal wounds in these areas.

Medicinal plants and plant derivatives due to the presence of antioxidant compounds and secondary medicinal compounds such as tannins, anthocyanins, flavon, flavonoids, phenols and also less side effects than chemical drugs and species diversity in the treatment of skin wounds and Reports of their traditional effects in the treatment of wounds present them as an inexpensive and effective choice for wound healing. The need for more pharmacological and clinical studies to produce wound healing drugs seems necessary and necessary.

 In humans, many diseases are associated with the accumulation of free radicals. Antioxidants can scavenge free radicals and minimize their impact. Therefore, the search for naturally occurring antioxidants of plant origin is imperative.

 Here, we aimed to investigate the antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of methanolic extracts from Plantago major, Asperugo procumbens, Fumaria paviflora. Methanolic extract of P. major, A. procumbens, F. paviflora leaf is a potential source of natural antioxidants and serves as an effective free radical scavenger and/or inhibitor. Hence, of P. major, A. procumbens, F. paviflora might be a good plant-based pharmaceutical product for several diseases caused by free radicals.

 In this experiment, we examined different parts (leaf) of A. procumbens and found that methanolic extract of A. procumbens leaf, which contains large amounts of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, exhibited the highest antioxidant and free radical scavenging. A positive correlation (P-value < 0.005) was observed between phenolic content and free radical (DPPH) scavenging efficiencies.

 Methanolic extract of A. procumbens leaf is a potential source of natural antioxidants and serves as an effective free radical scavenger and/or inhibitor. Hence, A. procumbens might be a good plant-based pharmaceutical product for several diseases caused by free radicals.

 Due to numerous advantages derived from the use of plants, at least 70% of the indigenes of the Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area (LGA) depend on plants.

 The present study was performed to survey medicinal plants used for wound healing by the indigenes of communities in Uzo-Uwani LGA, Nigeria.

 A survey was conducted from February to September 2022 to find out plants that are employed for wound healing by the indigenes. Information was gathered through oral interviews, including semi-structured questionnaires, with traditional medicine practitioners in each community, herbalists, and elderly villagers.

 Overall, 33 plants belonging to 26 families were identified consisting of trees (51.51%), herbs (33.33%), and shrubs (15.15%), and 15.15%, 36.36%, and 48.48% were endangered, threatened, and neither threatened nor endangered, respectively. From the findings, 51.51%, 24.24%, and 24.24% were collected wild, wild plus cultivated, and cultivated, respectively. Fabaceae (21.21%) and Asteraceae (9.10%) families were the highest used species for wound healing, respectively, followed by Liliaceae (6.10%) and Rubiaceae (6.10%) families. Leaves (36.36%) were the most frequently used part, followed by the stembarks (27.27%), whole plant (12.12%), and roots (9.10%), seeds (9.10%), as well as shoot, fruits/pods, and aerial parts (3.03% each). Decoction (72.72%) and infusion (27.27%) were the prominent methods of use. Pycnanthus angolensis had the highest use value (1.04%), fidelity level (100%), informants’ consensus factor (0.66 %), and Rahman’s similarity index (RSI) (84.06%) but low citation.

 Our findings documented medicinal plants used as ethnomedicinal prescriptions for wound healing by the indigenes with the view to providing alternate drug sources.

Waltheria indica is a shrub whose roots are used in many communities of Northern Nigeria to manage several sexual behavioral disorders; however, there is no scientific study to verify this claim. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of methanol root extract of Waltheria indica and its fractions (ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and residual ethanol) on sexual orientation and sexual behavioral parameters in male albino rats.

Experimental: 

Male rats were divided into five groups each containing 6 rats. Group 1 rats were treated with normal saline. Rats in Groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg crude extracts while rats in Group 5 were treated with Sildenafil 5 mg/kg. Treatment was administered once daily for 7 days. Female rats were artificially brought to oestrus by administering oestradiol 25 μg/kg and progesterone 500 μg/kg 48 and 8 h respectively prior to mating The mating was done in a 1:1 ratio and mating behaviour was observed on days 1 and 7. Similar procedure was repeated, normal saline, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg of the ethyl acetate, n-butanol and mother liquor fractions, respectively and sexual behavioral parameters were observed.

Crude extract and fractions of Waltheria indica significantly increased sexual behavioral parameters, with the n-butanol and mother liquor fractions being most active.

Recommended applications/industries: 

The study showed that methanol root extract of Waltheria indica and its fractions have aphrodisiac activity with the n-butanol and residual methanol fractions being more active. These revelations further substantiates the traditional use of Waltheria indica for the management of infertility in male, thus such discovery can serve as a lead for the development of drugs for the management of sexual dysfunctions.

Triple-negative breast cancer is a significant global health challenge, and there's growing interest in targeting multiple pathways for treatment. Umbelliprenin, derived from herbal sources, has shown anti-tumor potential. This study aimed to assess umbelliprenin's impact on key genes related to proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis.

Umbelliprenin, which was synthesized by the Pharmaceutical Research Center (PRC) at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran, was utilized in this study. The study aimed to investigate the impact of umbelliprenin on EGF and CoCl2-induced signaling in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways. Quantitative PCR was employed to assess the expression of EGFR, PI3K, AKT, mTOR, S6K, ERK1, ERK2, 4EBP1, HIF-1α, HIF-1β, VEGF, and VEGFR genes. Additionally, immunoblot assays were conducted to evaluate the levels of VEGF and HIF-1α in MDA-MB-468 cells.

The study found that umbelliprenin had cytotoxic effects, with an IC50 value of 152.5 μM. At concentrations of 10 μM and 20 μM, it upregulated genes like EGFR, VEGFR, HIF-1α, VEGF, PI3K, ERK2, and mTOR while downregulating 4EBP1. Umbelliprenin also increased VEGF protein levels. When used on EGF-stimulated cells, it enhanced VEGF and PI3K expression while inhibiting AKT, ERK2, mTOR, and antiproliferative 4EBP1 genes. Notably, VEGF and HIF-1α protein levels remained unchanged. Conversely, umbelliprenin downregulated EGFR, AKT, ERK1/2, HIF-1α, and VEGF in CoCl2-stimulated cells, while elevating 4EBP1 and reducing VEGF and HIF-1α protein levels.

Umbelliprenin inhibited MDA-MB-468 cell growth and impacted gene expression related to metastasis and angiogenesis, particularly under conditions of EGFR activation and hypoxia.

In the most studies, differentiation of two issues: purchase quantity and willingness to purchase has not been considered. The purpose of this study was to eliminate the error caused by non-separation of these two issues.

Data were extracted from the raw data of the rural household expenditure and income survey plan of 2019. For removing sampling bias due to the low share of buyers of medicinal plants for treating in the society, the two-stage Heckman model was used countrywide.

Based on the estimation results, for every ten million rials increase in drug cost and income, the willingness to pay for medicinal plants increases by 200 and 800 rials, respectively (P <0.01). Also, the presence of medicinal plants in the region and access to physicians increases the consumption of medicinal plants by 2.7 and 1.4%, respectively (P <0.01). But time and age of head of household had no significant effect at this level. The marginal effect indicated the location conditions of families (in terms of access to medicinal plants and treatment) are more effective than social and economic variables on behavior of people's willingness to buy medicinal plants. After estimating purchase function and calculate the elasticities, it turned out, medicinal plants are a normal commodity.

The results showed that the variables affecting the choice of medicinal plants are different from the factors affecting of consumption of these products in terms of type and amount of effect.

Cell suspension culture and elicitation have been playing an important role in the synthesis of active secondary metabolites. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is one of the active compounds found in lavender essential oil that stands out due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics.

This research was conducted to investigate the production efficiency of RA in Lavandula angustifolia suspension culture through elicitation with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and yeast extract (YE).

Cell suspension culture established in B5 liquid media supplemented with different combinations of Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs). The influence of different PGRs treatments on cell growth and accumulation of RA were analyzed. Then the effect of concentration and time course of elicitation with YE (0.1, 0.5, and 1 g/l after 1, 3 and, 6 days of elicitation) and MeJA (50, 100 and 200 µM after 1, 2 and 3 days of elicitation) separately and in combination with each other on cell growth and intracellular and extracellular content of RA were investigated.

HPLC analysis showed that the highest intracellular RA content (17.03 mg/g dry weight) was observed 24 hours after the addition of 50 µM MeJA in combination with 1 g/l YE, which was approximately 33% higher than that found in leaves. Furthermore, it was 9 and 11 times higher than cultures treated with MeJA and YE alone, respectively. In addition, both elicitors significantly affected the extracellular quantity of RA than control.

Our results documented that the application of elicitors increased biomass and RA accumulation in L. angustifolia suspension cells.

Ethnobotanical knowledge studies the indigenous, local and traditional uses of plants by different people and cultures.

Analysis of articles in the field of ethnobotanical characteristics of Iranian medicinal plants from the perspective of local people.

The study is a retrospective bibliometric analysis and science mapping. The articles retrieved from five databases were examined and exteracted characteristics such as the name of the region, the number of species, the family with the highest number of species, the plant organ used, the method of using plants, and the therapeutic uses of medicinal plants. Then VOSviewer was used to draw a scientific map.

All 145 articles (325 authors and in 59 journals) are divided into three groups, including investigation of the ethnobotanical characteristics of medicinal plants in different regions, the ethnobotanical characteristics of a family/species, ethnobotanical characteristics of Iranian medicinal plants for the treatment/prevention of a disease/disorder. The keywords ethnobotany, medicinal plants, traditional medicine, and ethnopharmacology are among the most frequent keywords and digestive, cold, diabetes, dental, gynecological, respiratory and skin diseases were among the most frequent diseases reported in the articles.

The people of different regions of Iran pay attention to the use of different types of medicinal plants to treat diseases. However, the ethnobotanical characteristics of medicinal plants in many regions of Iran have yet to be investigated. Only original research articles published in journals have been reviewed in this study. It is suggested that conference and systematic review articles be evaluated in future studies.

In sustainable agriculture, reduction of chemical fertilizers- induced environmental pollutions is mainly considered. Therefore, recently application of organic fertilizers particularly their foliar applications received increased attention. Besides, herbal medicine with higher antioxidant activity will be able to limit the formation of free radical species.

Therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of foliar application of organic fertilizers on antioxidant activity and polyphenolic compounds of Marrubium vulgare L. in greenhouse experiment.

In a completely randomized design experiment with three replications that was carried out in 2019, the applied treatments consisted of four levels (0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg L-1) of foliar application of humic and fulvic acids (0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg L-1). Some phenolic compounds including gallic acid, chloregenic acid, coumarin, hesperidin, and eugenol were detected and quantified in the Marrubium vulgare L. extracts.

Application of 250 mg humic acid L-1 resulted in the highest extraction of phenolic compounds, coumarin, reducing this content at a higher applied level and by fulvic acid addition. As such, the foliar application of low concentrations of humic acid before the flowering stage was a useful and effective method to increase the synthesis of phenolic compounds. Among the studied organic acids, the application of 250 mg humic acid L-1 showed the highest antioxidant activities. These compounds can be effective in controlling diseases with free radicals.

Based on the findings of the present research, a more appropriate management of the growth and propagation of medicinal plants and their quality can be applied. In addition, humic substances application reduces the chemical fertilizers used, thereby maintaining the environment.

Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is an important strategy to increase the quality of provided care ‎for patients under mechanical ventilation. ‎ Rose water is the main product of Rosa damascena which is a popular medicinal plant and has been widely used in ‎alternative medicine. It has antibacterial activity ‎against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria which can potentially cause VAP.
This study was a randomized, controlled, single-center trial. 88 patients in a 21-bed surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) who were under mechanical ventilation met the inclusion criteria, and 80 patients fulfilled the study. Based on receiving either rose water and chlorhexidine solution or chlorhexidine ‎solution alone, the patients were divided into two groups of control and intervention.  ‎ The incidence of VAP up to 14 days was the primary outcome. Duration of mechanical ventilation, the ICU length of stay, and mortality in ICU ‎were the secondary outcomes.
There was no significant difference in demographic data, the ‎incidence of VAP, the incidence of late-onset VAP, mechanical ventilation days, ‎length of the ICU stay, and mortality between the two groups. However, the incidence of early-onset VAP in the intervention ‎group was significantly lower than in the control group (p= 0.021).
Rose water mouthwash significantly reduced the risk of early-onset VAP without any effect on late-onset VAP.