Journal of Medicinal Plants
Volume:9 Issue: 36, 2010

The prevalence of obesity and overweight is alarmingly increasing. Obesity and overweight are regarded as the most important avoidable risk factors causing morbidity and mortality. The approved synthetic weight loss drugs have low efficacies and considerable adverse effects. Numerous approaches are used as alternatives to synthetic drugs to induce weight loss. One of the approaches is use of herbal medications. Here, the effects of medicinal plants and herbal active constituents including caffeine, ephedrine, Garcinia cambogia, Hoodia gordonii, tea (green, black and oolong), Citrius aurantium, capsaicin, plant fibers such as guar gum, glucomannan and psyllium, Cissus quadrangularis, Irvingia gabonensis, Phaseolus vulgaris, chitosan, Trigonella foenum-graecum and yohimbine in clinical trials concerning weight loss are reviewed. Most of these medicinal plants have been studied in very limited clinical studies, and none have been evaluated to the extent that can be definitively recommended for weight reduction, nor have they been studied to ascertain the extent of potential hazards. Thus, further clinical researches to define the efficacies and safeties of the medicinal plants and herbal active constituents that may have weight reducing properties seem warranted.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease of dopaminergic neurons in substancia nigra. Superoxides formation is one of the main etiologies of the disease, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are able to suppress superoxide formation. Berberis vulgaris is an ACE inhibitor and considered for this purpose. Male rats (n=32) were divided in 4 groups: Sham, Neurotoxin (injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into left hemisphere SNC), Berberis vulgaris aqueous extract (10 mg/kg) and captopril. Berberis and captopril were injected i.p. 7 days before and 3 days after 6-hydroxydopamine injection. Muscle rigidity, apomorphine test, brain protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation as well as serum and brain ACE activity were assayed in all 4 groups. Rotation test with apomorphine in captopril and Berberis groups were significantly lower than neurotoxin group (p=0.002). Lipid peroxidation in captopril was significantly lower than neurotoxin (p=0.013). Captopril and Berberis both inhibited serum ACE activity respectively, but Berberis inhibited brain ACE too. Berberis vulgaris aqueous extract is an ACE inhibitor with anti-parkinsonism effect and should be studied more.

Bacterial canker and leaf spot caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss) and Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Xap) are one of important disease stone fruit tree. We studied antibacterial activities of fourteen essential oil and four plant extracts on these bacteria. The assay was carried in Petri dishes containing nutrient agar medium in which there was a well in the center of each Petri dish. These wells filled by µl aliquots of the essential oil and extracts. After 48h inoculation of bacteria suspension on the surface medium growth inhibition on zone around the wells was measured. Data analyzed by SAS software. Results showed among essential oil and of plant in inhibition of growth bacteria was significantly difference (p<0.0000). Essential oil of Mentha piperita, Cuminum cyminum, Ziziphora tenuior, Tarchyspermum copticum and Salvia officinalis whit 6.3, 6.7, 5.77, 5.57, 4.77 cm have almost inhabitation on Xap respectively. Essential oil of Achillea millefolium, Coriandrum sativum, Heracleum persicum and Salvia officinalis extracts showed lowest antibacterial activities. Azadirachta indica extracts showed highest and Ferula assa-foetida and Thymus vulgaris extracts have any antibacterial effect. Essential oil of Thymus vulgaris, Tarchyspermum copticum, Cuminum cyminum and Mentha piperita, have almost inhibition on Pss respectively. Essential oil of Ziziphora tenuior, Coriandrum sativum and Rosmarinus officinalis have medium and Achillea millefolium, Coriandrum sativum and Artemisia annua have lowest activities on Pss and Salvia officinalis, Ferula assa-foetida have any effect on Pss. This study revealed that essential oils of these plants have high antibacterial activities and can be use for control plant disease.

Helicobacter pylori infection is common in gastrointestinal tract and lead to gastritis, peptic ulcer and finally stomach cancer. Many synthetic drugs are used to eradicate the bacteria but there are some problems in treatment due to drug resistance and frequent relapses of infection. Herbal drugs are very important in the case. Glycyrrhiza glabra is used for treatment of H. pylori infection. This plant grows in different regions of Iran, therefore, investigation of anti H. pylori effects of the plant collected from different growing area is important. The aim of this study is determination of MIC of licorice roots collected from different regions of Iran against H. pylori in order to introduce the best growing area of the plant. Roots of the plant were collected from Kerman, Kermanshah, Sirjan, Sarhadd (Fars province), Istahban (Fars province), Ghasredasht (Fars province), Najaf Abad (Isfahan province), Ganjnameh (Hamedan province), Ekbatan (Hamedan province), Mahabad, Khorram Abad and Ardabil and extracted by using ethanol 80%. MIC of each extract was determined against three clinical isolated strains of H. pylori which obtained during endoscopy procedure. The results showed that susceptibilities of three clinical isolated bacteria to the licorice extracts are different. Among the studied extracts, licorice roots collected from Ardabil showed the lowest MIC (at least: 5 ppm) and all strains were almost resistant to the extract from Mahabad. It is concluded that drug resistance is observed in herbals just like synthetic drugs. Moreover, in order to achieve best therapeutic results, before using an herbal preparation for treatment a disorder, growing area of a medicinal herb should be considered.

Herbal remedies are suitable alternatives for synthetic drugs due to their availability, minimal side effects and lower price. Biologically active substances of plant origin represent an essential branch of modern cardiovascular pharmacotherapy. The aim of the present study is to investigate rate-dependent electrophysiological effects of Crocus sativus on extra-cellular field potential of isolated rabbit heart in-vitro. Male Newsland rabbits (.5- kg) were used in all of experiments; various experimental stimulating protocols (WBCL, Recovery, rate-dependent protocols) were applied to study electrophysiological properties of Node (N=5). All of the stimulated protocols repeated in the presence and absence different concentration of saffron (54,08 mg). Results were shown as mean ± SE. Saffron inhibited basic and rate-dependent electrophysiological properties of AV-Node. Significant prolongation of WBCL from 4±4.7 to 65.9±6.7 msec "in control and saffron group" was recorded (p<0.05). Rate-dependent protective role of plant to increases difference between atrial and nodal effective refractory period and was observed (from 0 ± 5.5 to 3.6 ± 7.4 msec in control and saffron) (p<0.05). Rate-dependent minor inhibitory role of Crocus sativus in AV-Node can modify protective role of AV-Node during arrhythmia.

Thymus caramanicus is an aromatic and perennial plant of Lamiaceae family, which distributes in different areas of Iran. In this study, botanical traits and oil content/chemical composition of Thymus carmanicus Jalas ecotypes are evaluated in natural habitats of Iran. Ecotypes of Th. carmanicus were collected from Kerman (Sirch and Rayen), Yazd, Esfahan and Shahrud. In addition, the geographical origins and the botanical traits of ecotypes were recorded. Oils were extracted by hydrodistillation method for 3h and its constituents determined by GC and GC-MS. The essential oils content (w/w%) of the Kerman-Rayen, Kerman-Sirch, Yazd, Shahrud and Esfahan ecotypes were. 5%,. 9%,. 0%,. 8% and. 5%, respectively. 34, 36, 37, 38 and 33 components were identified and quantified in oil samples of Kerman-Rayen, Kerman-Sirch, Yazd, Shahrud and Esfahan ecotypes, representing 98.7, 98.9, 96.9, 9.3 and 98.% of these oils, respectively. The ranges of major constituents were as follow: carvacrol (4.0 – 80.7%), thymol (4. –. 8%), ρ-cymene (.5 –. 8%), γ- terpinene (3.7–7.3%). and borneol (3.–8.3%). The carvacrol was the main compound in all ecotypes. Th. carmanicus contains the high content of essential oil and phenolic components including carvacrol and thymol, which can be used in pharmaceutical industries.

Aspergillosis is an opportunistic fungal disease caused by different species of Aspergillus. Clinical manifestation and severity of disease related to physiological conditions of host, involved organs and Aspergillus species. Cinnamomum zeylanicum is an evergreen tree 0-5 meter length and belongs to Lauraceae family. It grows in Srilanka. Its essential oil has antimicrobial activity. Study of Antifungal activity of this essential oil against clinical isolates of Aspergillus and determination of MIC. Broth microdilution method was used in this research. Essential oil of Cinnamomum zeylanicum was extracted by means of Clevenger apparatus then its MICs on clinical isolates of Aspergillus were calculated by broth microdilution method. Number of samples was twenty seven. MICs are: eight isolates:. 8 μg/ml, six isolates: 0.59 μg/ml, four isolates: 0.9 μg/ml, five isolates: 0.4 μg/ml and four isolates: 0.07μg/ml In view of the fact that Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil was effective against all isolates in this research, we recommend the investigation of its antifungal properties Invivo.

The genus Ferula contains more than 30 species all over the world that its 30 species have been found in Iran. There are several studies on phyochemicals of Ferula species, but no study has been reported from Ferula ovina. Identification and structure elucidation of chemical constituents of Ferula ovina roots. Dichloromethane extract of F. ovina roots was obtained using maceration. The extract was concentrated by solvent evaporation and 0 g of the concentrated extract subjected to normal phase column (60 × 5 cm) chromatography. The elution of column was started by petroleum ether and continued by increasing amount of ethyl acetate, resulting going out compounds in the order of polarity. The volume of collecting fractions was 50 mL and those fractions that have similar spots in TLC experiment were combined. Three pure major compounds, namely, stylosin, tschimgine and ferutinin were finally obtained. Their structures were determined by D and D NMR experiments. The former two compounds were monoterpene derivatives and the latter was a sesquiterpene derivative. Dichloromethane extract of F. ovina roots contains three known major compounds, stylosin, tschimgine and ferutinin. Regarding the presence of high amount of ferutinin as one of the most potent natural estrogens in this species, the importance of this Ferula species emerged.

Prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its importance for women life as well as side effects of non steroid anti inflammatory drug used for its treatment increases the tendency for alternative complementary, and herbal therapy. This study was carried out to determine the effect of Zingiber officinale R. on primary dysmenorrheal on students residing in Dormitorie's Shahed University. This clinical trial was performed on 78 unmarried students, average years old with primary dysmenorrhea residing in Dormitorie's Shahed University. Subjects were selected through a questionnaire which included demographic and menstrual cycle characteristics and graded of dysmenorrhea. Graded of dysmenorrhea were determined by verbal multidimensional scoring system and subjects who were graded moderate and severe dysmenorrhea were randomly allocated into two groups that received the Zingiber capsule and the placebo capsule.The subjects in Zingiber group received the 500 mg zingiber powders in capsules three times a day for three days and placebo group received 500 mg placebo capsule similarly from a day of starting of menstruation. Severity and duration of dysmenorrheal pain were determined in both groups and compared to each other. Results indicate that demographic characteristics (age, BMI and menstrual status) were similar between two groups before treatments. Severity and duration of dysmenorrhea in Zingiber group deceased significantly (p<0.0 and p<0.0 respectively) at the end of the study compared to placebo group. Administration of zingiber 500 mg t.i.d decreases pain and duration of primary dysmenorrhea without any obvious adverse effects. The investigation for accurate effective doses of Zingiber and its adverse effect on long term administration is recommended.

Hyoscyamus niger L. from Solanaceae is an important pharmacological plant which contains tropane alkaloids. tropane alkaloids constitute one distinct group of secondary metabolites of the Solanaceae. Hyoscyamus species are rich source of tropane alkaloids, mainly hyoscyamine and hyoscine (scopolamine), which are widely used for their mydriatic,antispasmodic, anticholinergic, analgesic and sedative properties. Therefore determine of optimized method is necessary for extraction of hyoscine from Hyoscyamus niger L. The purpose of this research is determine of optimized conditions for extraction of hyoscine from Hyoscyamus niger L. Three factors, temperature, extraction time and mesh size of plant were studied using three level box-behnken design. the hyoscine content were measured by Gas chromatograph, Younglin Acm 6000 model. The results showed that the best conditions for extraction of hyoscine from Hyoscyamus niger L. is Ultrasonic extraction in 43 C, 30 min and 45 mesh size. It can be concluded that in order to efficient extraction of hyoscine from Hyoscyamus niger L., special conditions should be considered.

Pistacia sp. has been used in folk medicine for many years and previous studies have demonstrated its hypnotic effects. In this research, the effects of P. vera gum hydroalcoholic extract on muscle relaxation, sleep and anxiety were studied in mice. The effects of the intraperitoneal injection of the extract on muscle relaxation and coordination (traction and Rotarod tests, 30 and 60 min. after injection, respectively), sleep latency and duration of the sleep induced by pentobarbital (injected 30 min. after the extract), anti-anxiety effects (Elevated plus maze, 30 min. after injection) and locomotion activity (Open field test, 60 min. after injection) were studied. The extract (doses of 0.5, 0.5 and g/kg) showed hypnotic effect, increase in duration of sleep by all doses and decrease in the sleep latency only by the dose of g/kg), anti-anxiety effect in elevated plus maze, muscle relaxant effect (only effective at the dose of g/kg in the traction test) and locomotion depressant effect at all doses (P<0.00). This study showed that the hydroalcoholic extract of P. vera gum has hypnotic, anti-anxiety and muscle relaxant activities. Thus, it may be effective in the alleviation of the muscles contractions disorders, insomnia and anxiety.

In folk medicine, there are many uses of useful effects of some medicinal plants for treatment of disease. In traditional medicine of Kerman province, Salvia mirzayanii Rech. & Esfand. (Lamiaceae) or Mor-e-Porzo applies for treatment of diabetes mellitus. Literature reviews showed another species of Salvia had antidiabetic effects. In this study anti hyperglycemic activities of this plant were evaluated. Eleven group (n=7) of male white rats (six normal and five diabetic) used. Diabetes induced by IP injection of streptozocin (STZ) (64 mg/kg). Diabetes was allowed to develop in these STZ treated rat over of 4h, and animals treated by 50, 00, 00, 400 mg/kg of the dried metanolic extract by IP injection for 4 hours and 400 mg/kg for days. Finally, surgery carried out on these animals and liver and pancreas studied histopathologically. For statistic, used ANOVA with Turkey's post hoc. The maximal reduction in the blood glucose concentration of the fasted rats occurred at extract 400 mg/kg dose of extract. This dose (400 mg/kg) significantly reduced the blood glucose concentrations (p<0.0). On the other hand, histopathological studies showed this extract could repair and increase blood supply of pancreatic cells of these diabetic animals. Methanolic extract of S. mirzayanii could reduce blood glucose of these diabetic animals and its considerable effects on damaged pancreatic tissue, persuade the complemented studies and investigation on this plant.

The family salicaceae included salix and populus species. This family especially salix alba is very important in ancient medicinal. Recognition and investigation on other species in this family can help to development of herbal medical in country. This study was done to measuring of salicylic acid in Populus deltoides and Populus euramerican. After collection and drying of barks, extraction was done according to TAPPI standard (T04 om-88) by using acetone, ethanol and water solutions. Measuring of Salicylic acid was done by HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). The extractive materials yield of populus deltoides and populus euramerican’s bark were obtained. and 7.7% respectively base on dry weight of bark. HPLC analysis shows that there are 3 compounds in water extractive materials which amount of two compounds are more than others. According to retention time one of two compounds is Salicylic acid. The Salicylic acid values in populus deltoides and euramerican bark extractive materials are 4.7 and 9.5 ppm respectively. Generally, this research show that populus species contains Salicylic acid which is lower than Salix alba. The amount of Salicylic acid in populus euramerican is more than populus deltoids. Hydrophobic compounds in populus euramerican are twice than populus deltoides. There is no significant difference between hydrophilic compounds of two species.

Diabetes mellitus, a state of chronic hyperglycemia, is associated with high risk of atherosclerosis, renal diseases and nervous system and ocular damage. Garlic as a medicinal plant has shown to have diverse biological activities, including antidiabetic actions. Garlic and its preparations are affected in cardiovascular diseases which have been caused by diabetes. Since the pervious studies have focused on the therapeutic role of garlic in diabetes, we have decided to investigate the preventive effect of garlic juice on the changes of serum lipids. Forty male Wistar rats (50 ± 0 g) were divided into five groups as follows.) Control group (N),) Normal+Garlic group (N+G) received garlic juice for 6 weeks, 3) Diabetic group (D) was injected with STZ [60 mg/kg BW, i.p.], 4) Diabetic+Garlic_before group (D+Gb) received garlic juice for 3 weeks before STZ injection and continued for another 3 weeks, 5) Diabetic+Garlic_after group (D+Ga) received garlic juice for 3 weeks; after injected with STZ. Garlic juice was given by gavage (ml/00g BW/day). At the end of experimental period, food intake measured by metabolic cages and serum levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides were assessed by enzymatic methods. D+Gb & D+Ga groups in comparison with D group showed significant increases (p<0.05) in the body weights and significant decreases (p<0.000) in food intake. D+Gb group in comparison with D+Ga group, showed significant increase (p<0.05) in the body weights and significant decrease (p<0.00) in food intake. In D+Gb & D+Ga groups, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides levels in comparison with D group showed significant decreases (p<0.000). In D+Gb group, glucose levels have no significant difference with N and N+G groups, but in comparison with D+Ga group showed significant decrease (p<0.05). In D+Gb group, serum level of cholesterol in comparison with N and N+G groups (p<0.0) and serum level of triglycerides in comparison with N and D+Ga groups showed significant decreases (p<0.00). These results suggest that garlic juice could influence in prevention against increases of cholesterol and triglycerides in diabetic rats.

Thyme (Zataria multiflora Boiss.) is one of the Iranian traditional spices and it has antimicrobial effect on the pathogenic bacteria which are agents for some current food borne intoxications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil on V. parahaemolyticus in salted (8% Nacl in tissue) silver carp. Effect of different concentrations of this Essential oil (0.0%, 0.045%, 0.35%, 0.405%, 0.80 %) on behavior of V. parahaemolyticus in two temperatures (5, 5˚C) was determined by evaluation of the bacterial growth in salted fish fillets. The essential oil in used concentrations had significant inhibitory effect on the growth of V. parahaemolyticus in salted fish compare with control treatment during the storage time (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between all treatments. The results showed that Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil had inhibitory effect on V. parahaemolyticus, therefore it can be considered as a natural preservative in salted fish.

High in take of saturated fatty acids and animal fats, increases cardiovascular disease, cancer and obesity whereas ω-3 and ω-6 poly unsaturated fatty acids as necessary fatty acids have preventive effect on aforementioned disease. Necessity of ω-3 and ω-6 acids and limitation of their sources with increasing of population, make scientists to find other sources. For optimal usage of internal oil resources such as safflower, increasing of its cultivation and existence of Saffola as a mutative variety (high amount of oleic acid), this research for investigation the physicochemical characteristics of seed and oil of six variety/line of safflower farmed in Iran and the comparison of type and amount of oil and classification of them to oleic or linoleic acid group was done. Varieties/lines of Iranian safflower including Goldasht (as a spring variety), Mahali Esfehan, Esfehan 4, Esfehan 8 (as spring lines), Padide (as a fall variety) and Sina (as a day land farming variety) were provided)Provision Institute and Improvement of Plant and Seed located in Karaj), and characteristics of safflower seeds (oil, protein, ash, moisture and fiber contents) and its extracted oil (acid, iodine and saponification values, fatty acids profile and color) were investigated. Results indicated that the studied varieties/lines were only linoleic safflower (no any oleic safflower). Iranian safflower varieties/lines have the highest amount ofω -6 (7.6 - 75078) in comparison with other oil sources which are valuable and necessary fatty acids.

In the industrial world, almost everyone is unavoidably exposed to ambient electromagnetic field (EMF) generated from various technical and household appliances. Controversy exists about the effects of EMF on various tissues of the living bodies. Uterus play an important role in reproductive and the effects of EMF on its tissue is worthy of investigation. In order to examine this, 40 rat were selected and kept for one weeks in quarantine and 0 rats subdivided to two groups were exposed to 50 Hz (non-ionizing radiation) for 6 weeks, one of this exposed group received 0.7 g/kg Ocimum basilicum, other experimental group just received 0.7 g/kg Ocimum basilicum, The materials were processed and observed apoptosis under a light microscope. In the experimental rats apoptotic cells showed significantly increased in emf groups, but in exposed group that received Ocimum basilicum, apoptotic cells were decreased (p<0.05). As exposure to EMF may result in pathological changes then lead to sub fertility and infertility, Since in our study 0.7 g/kg Ocimum basilicum have significantly Preventive effect on uterus cells damages by reducing number of Apoptotic cells, so it seems that using it can be effective for treatment in emf exposed Rat.

Flavonoid components are the largest phenolic groups in nature. Pigments are primarily responsible for the color of rose petals, it is colorless flavonoids aid in the intensification and stabilization of color. The aim of this research was extraction and determination of flavonoid compounds kaempferol and Quercetin in petals of Rosa damascena from central location of Iran and cultivated in Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands. Samples were collected on late April 006. A 5 g fresh flower petals was blended with 30 ml of 9: methanol - acetic acid, the extract was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Two flavonoids kaempferol and quercetin glycoside compounds were extracted from 5 samples. The highest kaempferol content were obtained from Kamoo 4 (48 ppm), Arak (4 ppm), Ghohrood (40 ppm), Mashhad –e- ardehal (4 ppm), and the lowest from Ghamsar 3 (3 ppm), Kamoo 3 (64 ppm), Kamoo (69 ppm), and Ghamsar (88 ppm). The highest quercetin glucoside contents were obtained from Kamoo 4 (358 ppm), Ghohrod (337 ppm), Ghamsar (34 ppm), and Arak (38 ppm), and lowest were from Qum (8 ppm), Tehran (9 ppm), Ghamsar 3 (ppm) and Kamoo (7 ppm). According to the results the samples were obtained from Kamoo 4 (48 ppm kaempferol, 358 ppm quercetin), Ghohrod (40 ppm kaempferoi, 337 ppm quercetin) and Mashhad –e –ardehal (4 ppm kaempferol, 300 ppm quercetin).

Due to sedation, anticonvulsant and anti-pain effects, Nardostachys jatamansi has had a special place in traditional medicine of China, India and Iran. Regarding Alkaloid, Organic acid esters, valeric acid and isovalerates this plant has always been used to reduce nervous pressure and the treatment depression and chronic insomnia. Considering the importance of sedative and anxiolytic effects of this plant's we decided to have a comparative study of this plant with chemical drugs. In this study, first, the rhizome of N. jatamansi was extracted by hydromethanolic (70%) solvent and then, the presence of valporoates, in total extract was revealed by GC-MS analysis of its n-Hexane fraction. For studying the effectiveness of sedative and anxiolytic of N. jatamansi in compraison with diazepam different groups of female wistar rats received N. jatamansi (00, 00, 400 mg/kg, ip), diazepam (. mg/kg, ip), di-metyl; solphoxid (DMSO) with equal volume, and 5 min after assessing the relif/sleep inducing effect (induced sleep duration by ketamine, 40 mg/kg, ip) and anxiolytic effects (using Elevated plus were done). The GC-MS analysis of the n-hexan fraction of extract led to identification and quantification of fifteen compounds, the main components were a - Aristolen--alpha-ol (3.%), valerenal (3%) and valerenic acid (6.5%). Pharmacological results showed that herbal extract of N. jatamansi with the maximum inhibition was observed at the does of 00 mg/kg of sedative and anxiolytic effect. Obtained resultes indicated that extract of N. jatamansi gives sedative and anxiolytic effects.

Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) is a famous herb in the world but is unknown in Iran. It has many dangers when used randomized or over dosage. Wild lettuce grows in the North of Iran and some natives consume it unaware of its adverse side effects. Here, we presented 8 patients with manifestations of wild lettuce toxicity, admitted to a general hospital affiliated to Golestan University of Medical Sciences. All patients recovered (except for an ICU admission) and no chronic complications were reported. Toxicity happened because wild lettuce was fresh and out of the time of harvest. Clinical suspicious to toxicity and history taking are the basis of diagnosis. It should be suggested to avoid using any suspicious substance like herbal materials, except when aware of its complications and effects.