Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Volume:10 Issue: 6, Oct 2020

Osteoporosis, as a skeletal disorder caused by aging, is considered a major health problem. This work was planned to assess the effect of the black olive hydroalcoholic extract on bone mineral density and biochemical parameters in ovariectomized rats.

Ninety 6-month-old female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into 7 sets: control (received saline); sham-operated control, Ovariectomized (OVX) rats (received saline); 3 groups of black olive-supplemented OVX rats (respectively, receiving 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg body wt black olive extract orally); and estrogen group (receiving 3 mg/kg/day estradiol valerate). Blood samples were collected 2, 4 and 6 months after treatment to measure calcium (Ca), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and phosphorus (P). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was applied to measure the bone mineral density (BMD). Global, lumbar spine and lower limb BMD was measured.

Ca concentration was significantly increased in the group treated with the highest dose of black olive hydroalcoholic compared to the OVX group (p <0.001). In addition, a significant decrease in ALP concentrations in the group treated with the highest dose of black olive hydroalcoholic comparing with the OVX group was observed (p <0.001). The global, tibia, femur and spine BMD in the group treated with the highest dose of black olive hydroalcoholic and estrogen group were significantly increased compared to the OVX group (p <0.05).

Black olive hydroalcoholic extract at the dose of 750 mg/kg, prevented bone loss and augmented bone mineral density and could be a possible candidate for the management of osteoporosis.

Stroke is one of the most important causes of death and disability in modern and developing societies. In a stroke, both the glial cells and neurons develop apoptosis due to decreased cellular access to glucose and oxygen. Resveratrol (3, 5, 4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) as a herbal compound shows neuroprotective and glioprotective effects. This article reviews how resveratrol can alleviate symptoms after stroke to help neurons to survive by modulating some signaling pathways in glia.

Various databases such as ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar, were searched from 2000 to February 2020 to gather the required articles using appropriate keywords.

Resveratrol enhances anti-inflammatory and decreases inflammatory cytokines by affecting the signaling pathways in microglia such as AMP-activated protein kinase (5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, AMPK), SIRT1 (sirtuin 1) and SOCS1 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 1). Furthermore, through miR-155 overexpressing in microglia, resveratrol promotes M2 phenotype polarization. Resveratrol also increases AMPK and inhibits GSK-3β (glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta) activity in astrocytes, which release energy, makes ATP available to neurons and reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS). Besides, resveratrol increases oligodendrocyte survival, which can lead to maintaining post-stroke brain homeostasis.

These results suggest that resveratrol can be considered a novel therapeutic agent for the reduction of stroke symptoms that can not only affect neuronal function but also play an important role in reducing neurotoxicity by altering glial activity and signaling.

Based on the previously-declared anticonvulsant properties of Rosa damascena (R. damascena), this study explored the probable effects of R. damascena on neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of a rat model of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure. 40 male Wistar rats were randomely divided into control (n=8) and experimental (n=32) groups which underwent PTZ injection. A one-week pre-medication with 50 (PTZ-Ext 50) (n=8), 100 (PTZ-Ext 100) (n=8), and 200 (PTZ-Ext 200) (n=8) mg/kg of hydro-alcoholic extract of R. Damascene was performed while one experimental group (PTZ-induced group) (n=8) received only saline during the week before PTZ injection. After provocation of PTZ-induced seizures, the brains underwent tissue processing and TUNEL staining assay for apoptotic cell quantification. Our findings revealed that PTZ-induced seizures led to apoptosis in neuronal cells of all sub-regions of the hippocampus; yet, only at CA1, CA3 and DG sub-regions of the PTZ-induced group, the difference in the number of apoptotic neuronal cells was significant in comparison with the control group. In addition, pre-medication with the plant extract led to a significant drop in the quantity of apoptotic neurons in these sub-regions in comparison with the PTZ-induced group which received no pre-medication . The results of this study showed that R. damascena extract exerts neuro-protective effects on PTZ-induced seizure.

Lonchocarpus sericeusstembark decoction has been extensively employed in folkloric medicine in many parts of Nigeria as a remedy for pain as well as inflammation. The plant was studied for its anti-inflammatory as well as analgesic potency using standard biological models. The stembark of L. sericeus was evaluated for anti-inflammatory properties using egg albumin and xylene-induced oedema models. The pain-relieving property was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing and thermally-induced pain models. Median lethal dose determination (intraperitoneal LD50), quantification of some phytochemicals as well as phytochemical screening were also performed. The LD50 of stembark extract of L. sericeus was found to be 3,100 mg/kg (i. p). The crude extract and fractions (310-930 mg/kg) effectively reduced oedema caused by egg albumin and xylene and exhibited high analgesic properties in inhibiting pain induced by acetic acid and heat. These reductions were dose-dependent and statistically significant (p <0.05-0.001) when compared to distilled water and similar to prototype drugs employed. Quantitative determinations of some bio-active constituents of the plant showed a higher flavonoid content (0.52±0.02 mg/100 g) compared to alkaloids (0.36±0.02 mg/100 g) and flavonoids (0.49±0.03 mg/100 g). Phytochemical screening of the stembark showed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids terpenes, tannins and saponins. These  results  imply  that  the stembark  extract  of L. sericeus  possesses anti-inflammatory  and analgesic potency and these data validate its  wide use  in folkloric medicine for inflammation and pain management.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive and malignant brain tumor and has a poor prognosis. This study was aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. (D. kotschyi) extracts in GBM U87 cell line. The extracts of D. kotschyi obtained by two different ways of Soxhlet and soaked. The cytotoxic effects of D. kotschyi extracts were measured using MTT assay following treatment for different times of exposure (24, 48, and 72 hr) and at different concentrations of D. kotschyi extracts. The effects of D. kotschyi extracts on cellular oxidative stress were also evaluated by measuring cellular ROS levels. Furthermore, cellular death and apoptosis were studied by sub G1 analysis and Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining using flow cytometry method, respectively. Characterization of the extracts was carried out using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis by Agilent GC-MSD system. Our results indicated thatD. kotschyi extracts decreased U87 cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, treatment with D. kotschyi extracted by Soxhlet for 24 and 48 hr significantly increased the levels of cellular ROS and Sub G1 population (p D. kotschyi mainly consisted of β-caryophellene, α-pinene and limonene. Our findings demonstrated that D. kotschyi extracts can exert cytotoxic effects against GBM U87 cell line in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, and these effects may be mediated through intracellular ROS accumulating. However, further studies should be performed to confirm the efficacy and exact mechanism of action of the extracts.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of Kombucha extract (tea) on the normal intestinal microflora and histological structures in rabbits. This study was a descriptive-analytical investigation. Thirty-two male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups as follows: Normal diet (I), high-cholesterol diet (II), normal diet plus Kombucha extract (II), and high-cholesterol diet plus Kombucha extract (IV). Microbial cultures were taken from feces of rabbits before and after the applied treatments. The rabbits' blood was collected from the heart to determine the level of cholesterol, glucose and iron in the blood. Aorta and coronary heart microtome cut samples were prepared for detection of histological changes. Rabbit stool cultures before treatment with Kombucha extract included Enterobacter aerogenes, Providencia rettgeri, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella oxytoca. However, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, klebsiella pneumoniae and Hafnia alvei were found in stool cultures after treatment with Kombucha extract. Group IV had significantly lower blood cholesterol levels. Animals that received Kombucha extract only had lower fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels. Healthy rabbits that received Kombucha extract only and group (IV) showed a significant increase in iron (Fe) levels and a significant decrease in total iron binding capacity (TIBC) levels. In both groups III and IV, the right and left coronary arteries were completely normal and no lesions were observed in the intima. The results of this study showed minor changes in the intestinal microflora of rabbits after treatment with Kombucha extract and positive effects of this tea on some risk factors (hypercholesterolemia, arteriosclerosis, and FBS).

Portulaca oleracea L. (PO) is abundantly found in Iran and is used in both nutritional and traditional medicine. Delaying thirst is one of the uses of the medicinal product of this plant which has been emphasized in Iranian traditional medicine though it was not proven scientifically. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the effect ofPO product on thirst. In this research, two main Set of experiments were considered: acute water deprivation group and chronic water restriction group. The urine parameters analyzed were osmolality, and sodium, and potassium concentration, and blood parameters evaluated included blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, osmolality, and sodium, and potassium concentration. The PO dosages were 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg. The findings showed that the effects of PO 100 and 200 (mg/kg) on blood and urine parameters were greater than that of PO 50 mg/kg, but there were no significant differences between them. In general, these findings indicate that PO extract can play an important role in reducing thirst symptoms most likely by affecting intra- and extra-cellular environments. Also, it is recommended to study the beneficial effects of this plant on diseases that lead to hypokalemia or blood potassium depletion.

The liver as a highly metabolic organ, has a crucial role in human body. Its function is often impressed by changes of the blood flow, hypovolemic shock, transplantation, etc. Maintaining liver function is a major challenge and there are many approaches to potentiate this organ against different stresses. Antioxidants protect organs against oxidative stress. P-coumaric acid (PC) as an oxidant has many beneficial effects. Therefore, PC was used as a pretreatment to test its potential against oxidative stress induced by liver Ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.  In order to test the potential hepatoprotective effect of PC against IR injury, five groups of rats were used: Normal (NC; intact group); Sham; p-coumaric acid (PC); IR-CO, and PC-IR. PC, Sham, NC, PC-IR and IR-CO groups that received vehicle or p-coumaric acid at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 7 consecutive days as pretreatment before IR induction. Animals in PC-IR, and IR-CO groups underwent hepatic IR injury. Liver levels of antioxidants were determined and functional liver tests were done. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was done to determine the structural changes of the liver. Gene expression of caspase-3 was also assessed.  Hepatic IR injury disrupted liver function by increasing the levels of AST, and ALT, and decreasing GSH, SOD and catalase. PC significantly decreased liver inflammation, reverted liver functional enzymes and antioxidants levels to normal, reduced the gene expression of caspase-3 in PC-IR rats compared to the IR-CO group. These findings revealed that PC through improving liver´s antioxidants, liver functional tests and down-regulating apoptotic gene protein, caspase-3, protects the liver against injury induced by IR.

Acantholimon is a genus of perennial plant within the Plumbaginaceae family. Here, we aimed to investigate anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial potential of methanol extract of three Iranian endemic species of Acantholimon including A. austro-iranicum, A. serotinum and A. chlorostegium. MTT assay was used to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction was examined by annexin V-PE apoptosis detection kit. Antioxidant activity was reported based on the DPPH-scavenging and DCF-DA assay. Antibacterial activity was measured by disc diffusion and micro-well dilution assay. MTT assay showed less cytotoxicity of methanol extracts against the HUVEC normal cell line (IC50 values: 817-900 µg/ml) compared to cancer cell lines MCF-7, HT29, SH-SY5Y, NCCIT and A549 (IC50 values: 213 to 600 µg/ml) that show the specificity of extracts toward cancer cells. Plant extract showed apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phases documented by annexin V staining and flow cytometry. According to antioxidant tests, extracts exhibited significant DPPH scavenging potential (IC50 values: 30-37 µg/ml) and could protect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Antibacterial activities showed a stronger inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as Gram- negative bacteria (diameter of inhibition zone: 11-13 mm and minimal inhibition concentration (MIC): 3.175 to 12.5 mg/ml) compared to Gram-positive bacteria including Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus (diameter of inhibition zone: 3-7 mm and MIC: 25 to 50 mg/ml). Our results suggested moderate cytotoxic and antibacterial potential and noteworthy antioxidant activity for the examined Acantholimon species.

Guiera senegalensis is distributed in the Sudano-Sahelian zone and used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes. This study was designed to assess the hypoglycemic effects of G. senegalensis in Wistar diabetic rats. Phytochemical analysis was carried out on aqueous and methanolic extracts of G. senegalensis. Type 2 diabetes was induced in male rats using nicotinamide/streptozotocin (65 mg/kg/110 mg/kg, i.p.). After diabetes induction, normal and negative control groups received distilled water, positive control group received glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg) and the others group received aqueous and methanolic extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg, each) orally for 4 weeks. Glycaemia, body weight, insulin level, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), triglycerides (TG), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) activities, urea and creatinine (Cr) were evaluated.  The content of phenols, flavonoids and tannins were 34.54 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/gE, 4.86 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/gE and 16.81 mg catechin equivalent (EC)/gE in the aqueous extract, respectively. Phenol (26.01 mg GAE/gE), flavonoid (4.47 mg QE/gE) and tannin (7.67 mg EC/gE) contents were also obtained for the methanolic extract.  G. senegalensis and glibenclamide resulted in a significant increase (p <0.001) in body weight and HDL-c in diabetic group rats receiving glibenclamide and different doses of extracts. . The level of insulin, glycaemia, TG, TC, LDL-c, urea and creatinine significantly decreased (p G. senegalensis extracts. These results confirm the potential of G. senegalensis for the treatment of diabetes and its complications.