Effects of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) extract versus glibornuride on the liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Petroselinum crispum Extract Prevents Scopolamine-Induced Lens Damage in Rats

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that occurs especially in advanced ages. It reduces the quality of life of both the patient and their relatives. In addition to its primary effects, AD causes metabolic defects and tissues are damaged due to these effects. Oxidative stress damages cells by disrupting antioxidant/oxidant balance in many tissues, especially due to AD. In individuals with AD and the elderly, lens tissue is damaged due to oxidative stress and may cause vision loss. Therefore, it is very important to investigate herbal products that both prevent/cure AD and reduce AD-related oxidative stress, as they may have fewer side effects. In this study, the protective effects of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) extract on lens tissues of an experimental AD model induced by scopolamine were examined and evaluated through biochemical parameters. The result of biochemical experiments and principal component analysis, was observed that parsley extract had a therapeutic effect by reducing oxidative stress in lens tissues of experimentally induced AD rats. It can be suggested that the phenolic and flavonoid-rich content of parsley extract may have caused the reduction of oxidative damage in lens tissues and can be used to protect lens tissue against oxidative stress due to AD disease.

New Approach for the Identification of Isobaric and Isomeric Metabolites

The structural elucidation of metabolite molecules is important in many branches of the life sciences. However, the isomeric and isobaric complexity of metabolites makes their identification extremely challenging, and analytical standards are often required to confirm the presence of a particular compound in a sample. We present here an approach to overcome these challenges using high-resolution ion mobility spectrometry in combination with cryogenic vibrational spectroscopy for the rapid separation and identification of metabolite isomers and isobars. Ion mobility can separate isomeric metabolites in tens of milliseconds, and cryogenic IR spectroscopy provides highly structured IR fingerprints for unambiguous molecular identification. Moreover, our approach allows one to identify metabolite isomers automatically by comparing their IR fingerprints with those previously recorded in a database, obviating the need for a recurrent introduction of analytical standards. We demonstrate the principle of this approach by constructing a database composed of IR fingerprints of eight isomeric/isobaric metabolites and use it for the identification of these isomers present in mixtures. Moreover, we show how our fast IR fingerprinting technology allows to probe the IR fingerprints of molecules within just a few seconds as they elute from an LC column. This approach has the potential to greatly improve metabolomics workflows in terms of accuracy, speed, and cost.

Greater efficiency of polyherbal drug encapsulated biosynthesized chitosan nano-biopolymer on diabetes and its complications

Diabetes is a highly complex disease that has an adverse impact on the lives of individuals, and the current medicines used to manage diabetes have obvious side effects. Medicinal plants, on the other hand, may serve as an alternate source of anti-diabetic drugs. A polyherbal combination has a higher and more extensive therapeutic potential than a single herb. Yet, due to deterioration during the absorption process, the usage of this drug still yields inadequate results. Encapsulation of polyherbal drug with chitosan nanoparticles is one of the key ways to solve this problem due to its biocombatibilty, slow and targeted drug delivery characteristics. In the present study, the chitosan was derived from prawn shell and the chitosan nanoparticles had been prepared by ionic-gelation method. The anti-diabetic polyherbal drug (Andrographis paniculata, Andrographis alata, Adhatoda zeylanica, Gymnema sylvestre, Syzygium cumini, and Justicia glabra) was encapsulated with a bio-derived chitosan biopolymer. The drug loading efficiency was about 85 %. The chemical and physical properties of the chitosan and drug-loaded chitosan nanoparticles had been analyzed by FT-IR absorption, XRD, SEM, TEM and EDAX analysis. The antidiabetic efficiency, hepatoprotective activity and antihyperlipedimic activity of the chitosan nanoparticles, polyherbal drug and polyherbal drug encapsulated with chitosan nanoparticles were assessed in a group of rats. The polyherbal drug reduced the serum glucose level from 306.4 mg/dL to 134.47 mg/dL, while the polyherbal drug encapsulated with chitosan nanoparticles reduced to 127.017 mg/dL. This was very close to the serum glucose level of non-diabetic rat (124.65 mg/dL). Further, it considerably increased the insulin level close to that of non-diabetic rat. Thus, the polyherbal drug encapsulated with chitosan nanoparticles showed superior efficiency in antidiabetic and also diabetic complications.

Hepatoprotective effects of parsley (Petroselinum Crispum) extract in rats with bile duct ligation

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of parsley extract (Petroselinum Crispum; PC) against oxidative liver damage caused by bile obstruction in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Bile duct ligation (BDL) method was used to induce liver injury in rats. The rats were divided into the three groups each consisting of 8 rats; Sham-operated control (C), bile duct ligated + saline treated (BDL), and BDL + PC treated groups. PC extract was given at a dose of 2 g/kg orally for 28 days. Aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanin amino transferase (ALT), and bilirubin levels were analyzed in sera. In order to determine free radicals in liver injury, luminol and lucigenin chemiluminescence tests used. Oxidative stress was evaluated through superoxide dismutase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and 8-hydroxy guanosine levels. Furthermore, inflammation marker myeloperoxidase, apoptosis marker caspase-3, and fibrosis markers TGF- β and hydoxyproline were investigated. The liver tissues were also examined for histological evaluations.

RESULTS

While PC treatment decreased AST and ALT levels which increased with BDL, oxidant damage parameters also decreased with this treatment.

CONCLUSION

The present study, which is the first research for PC extract on cholestasis induced liver damage, demonstrated that PC extract could be a potential therapeutic agent against liver fibrosis and need further studies.

Investigation of possible neuroprotective effects of some plant extracts on brain in bile duct ligated rats

This study aimed to investigate the possible neuroprotective effects of bitter melon (BM), chard, and parsley extracts on oxidative damage that may occur in the brain of rats with bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced biliary cirrhosis. It was observed that lipid peroxidation (LPO), sialic acid (SA), and nitric oxide (NO) levels increased; glutathione (GSH) levels, catalase (CAT) activity, and tissue factor (TF) activity decreased significantly in the BDL group. However, in groups with BDL given BM, chard, and parsley extracts LPO, SA, NO levels decreased; GSH levels and CAT activities increased significantly. No significant differences were observed between groups in total protein, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and boron. Histological findings were supported by the biochemical results. BM, chard, and parsley extracts were effective in the regression of oxidant damage caused by cirrhosis in the brain tissues. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Bitter melon (BM), chard, and parsley have antioxidant properties due to their bioactive compounds which are involved in scavenging free radicals, suppressing their production, and stimulating the production of endogenous antioxidant compounds. Since BM, chard, and parsley extracts were found to be effective in the regression of oxidant damage caused by cirrhosis in the brain tissues, these plant extracts may be an alternative in the development of different treatment approaches against brain damage in cirrhosis. At the same time, these species have been used as food by the people for many years. Therefore, they can be used safely as neuroprotective agents in treatment.

Supercritical extraction of volatile and fixed oils from Petroselinum crispum L. seeds: chemical composition and biological activity

The supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of volatile and fixed oil from milled parsley (Petroselinum crispum L.) seeds, using CO₂ as solvent, is presented in this study. Extraction experiments were carried out in two steps: at pressures of (90 or 300) bar and temperature of 40 °C. The first extraction step, performed at 90 bar, produced a volatile fraction mainly formed by apiole (82.1%) and myristicin (11.4%). The volatile oil yield was 2.6% by weight of the charge. The second extraction step, carried out at 300 bar produced a fixed oil at a yield of 0.4% by weight. The most represented fatty acids in P. crispum fixed oil were 18:1 n-12 (49.9%), 18:2 n-6 (18.2%), 18:1 n-9 (11.8%), and 16:0 (7.4%). In particular, the unsaturated fatty acids 18:1 n-12 and 18:1 n-9 averaged 182.2 mg/g and 92.1 mg/g of oil extract, respectively. The quality of the oils extracted by SFE, in terms of its chemical composition, was compared to the oils obtained by hydrodistillation (HD) in a Clevenger apparatus and by solvent extraction (SE) using n-hexane in a Soxhlet apparatus. The antioxidant properties were determined by means of the ABTS assay. The results indicated that the fixed oil possessed low antioxidant activity (EC₅₀ = 0.4 mg/mL) and the volatile oil had no antioxidant activity. The total phenolic content, expressed as concentration of gallic acid (gallic acid equivalent, GAE), of the fixed oil was 1.5 mg/g. The fixed oil found to have inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase, the volatile oil is active on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase. Both samples have weak inhibitory activity on α-amylase and no activity on butyrylcholinesterase (BChE).

Evaluation of the Anti-Diabetic Activity of Some Common Herbs and Spices: Providing New Insights with Inverse Virtual Screening

Culinary herbs and spices are widely used as a traditional medicine in the treatment of diabetes and its complications, and there are several scientific studies in the literature supporting the use of these medicinal plants. However, there is often a lack of knowledge on the bioactive compounds of these herbs and spices and their mechanisms of action. The aim of this study was to use inverse virtual screening to provide insights into the bioactive compounds of common herbs and spices, and their potential molecular mechanisms of action in the treatment of diabetes. In this study, a library of over 2300 compounds derived from 30 common herbs and spices were screened in silico with the DIA-DB web server against 18 known diabetes drug targets. Over 900 compounds from the herbs and spices library were observed to have potential anti-diabetic activity and liquorice, hops, fennel, rosemary, and fenugreek were observed to be particularly enriched with potential anti-diabetic compounds. A large percentage of the compounds were observed to be potential polypharmacological agents regulating three or more anti-diabetic drug targets and included compounds such as achillin B from yarrow, asparasaponin I from fenugreek, bisdemethoxycurcumin from turmeric, carlinoside from lemongrass, cinnamtannin B1 from cinnamon, crocin from saffron and glabridin from liquorice. The major targets identified for the herbs and spices compounds were dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), intestinal maltase-glucoamylase (MGAM), liver receptor homolog-1 (NR5A2), pancreatic alpha-amylase (AM2A), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA), protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 9 (PTPN9), and retinol binding protein-4 (RBP4) with over 250 compounds observed to be potential inhibitors of these particular protein targets. Only bay leaves, liquorice and thyme were found to contain compounds that could potentially regulate all 18 protein targets followed by black pepper, cumin, dill, hops and marjoram with 17 protein targets. In most cases more than one compound within a given plant could potentially regulate a particular protein target. It was observed that through this multi-compound-multi target regulation of these specific protein targets that the major anti-diabetic effects of reduced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia of the herbs and spices could be explained. The results of this study, taken together with the known scientific literature, indicated that the anti-diabetic potential of common culinary herbs and spices was the result of the collective action of more than one bioactive compound regulating and restoring several dysregulated and interconnected diabetic biological processes.

An overview of anti-diabetic plants used in Gabon: Pharmacology and toxicology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The management of diabetes mellitus management in African communities, especially in Gabon, is not well established as more than 60% of population rely on traditional treatments as primary healthcare. The aim of this review was to collect and present the scientific evidence for the use of medicinal plants that are in currect by Gabonese traditional healers to manage diabetes or hyperglycaemia based here on the pharmacological and toxicological profiles of plants with anti-diabetic activity. There are presented in order to promote their therapeutic value, ensure a safer use by population and provide some bases for further study on high potential plants reviewed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnobotanical studies were sourced using databases such as Online Wiley library, Pubmed, Google Scholar, PROTA, books and unpublished data including Ph.D. and Master thesis, African and Asian journals. Keywords including 'Diabetes', 'Gabon', 'Toxicity', 'Constituents', 'hyperglycaemia' were used.

RESULTS

A total of 69 plants currently used in Gabon with potential anti-diabetic activity have been identified in the literature, all of which have been used in in vivo or in vitro studies. Most of the plants have been studied in human or animal models for their ability to reduce blood glucose, stimulate insulin secretion or inhibit carbohydrates enzymes. Active substances have been identified in 12 out of 69 plants outlined in this review, these include Allium cepa and Tabernanthe iboga. Only eight plants have their active substances tested for anti-diabetic activity and are suitables for further investigation. Toxicological data is scarce and is dose-related to the functional parameters of major organs such as kidney and liver.

CONCLUSION

An in-depth understanding on the pharmacology and toxicology of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is lacking yet there is a great scope for new treatments. With further research, the use of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is important to ensure the safety of the diabetic patients in Gabon.

Histochemistry and immunolocalisation of glucokinin in antidiabetic plants used in traditional Mexican medicine

Mexico is a megadiverse country that has 3,600 to 4,000 species of medicinal plants, of which approximately 800 are used to treat conditions related to diabetes mellitus (DM). DM is a chronic degenerative disease of energy metabolism that exists as two types: type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2). DM is considered a public health problem that affects 7% of the Mexican population older than 20 years. DM is clinically controlled with hypoglycaemic drugs, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, insulin secretion stimulants or the direct application of insulin. The hypoglycaemic effectiveness of specific molecules has been determined only for some medicinal plants in Mexico used to treat DM2. The presence of molecules called glucokinins, wich are similar to animal insulin molecules, has been reported in some plant species; glucokinins act as both growth factors and regulators of glucose metabolism in plants. Therefore, we hypothesized that the hypoglycaemic effectiveness of some of the popularly used species for the control of DM could be due to the presence of glucokinin, as reported for Bauhinia variegata. The goal of this work was to use histochemistry to detect, the accumulation of protein that is immunocytochemically compatible with glucokinin in slide sections of hypoglycaemic species used as remedies for DM2. The top fourteen most used medicinal plants in Mexico were selected for study via microscopic sections. Proteins were histochemically detected using naphthol blue black and Johansen's quadruple stain, and the immunocytochemical correspondence of the proteins with glucokinin was investigated using an insulin antibody. All species studied reacted positively to proteins and glucokinin in the same structures. The presence of glucokinin in these structures and the corresponding hypoglycaemic effects are discussed in the contex of the actions of other compounds.

Traditional Persian Medicine and management of metabolic dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Its cause is unknown and it remains the most enigmatic of reproductive disorders. The extant written documents of Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) - with holistic approaches towards human health - contain remedies used for centuries. Before further experimental research on any of these treatments, it is appropriate to study current related scientific evidence on their possible pharmacological actions. This work aims to study PCOS and its treatments in TPM. To collect data from medieval medicinal texts, six of the most famous manuscripts of Persian medicine were studied. Medicinal treatments for a problem similar to PCOS were searched for in these books. The plants were listed and their authentications were confirmed in accordance with botanical books. PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were searched for related mechanisms of action or pharmacological activities of the medicinal plants reported. From numerous articles, the current work tried to cite the latest publications with regard to each reported plant and PCOS-related mechanisms of action. We studied herbal treatments recommended by ancient Persians to treat a condition called Habs-e-tams, which had the same symptoms of PCOS. It could be concluded that ancient physicians not only wanted to treat the irregular menstrual cycle-which is the most obvious symptom of PCOS-but also their treatment options were aimed at ameliorating the related underlying metabolic dysfunctions. The recommended herbs, which have the most scientific proof for their related actions, can be studied further in experimental analyses.

The Health Benefits of Selected Culinary Herbs and Spices Found in the Traditional Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest diets in the world. This is often attributed to low saturated fat consumption, moderate wine consumption, and high vegetable consumption. However, herbs and spices associated with these diets may also play an important role in the quality of this diet. This review summarizes the most recent research regarding the anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypertensive properties of this collection of culinary species. Additionally, this review briefly summarizes studies performed on lesser known herbs from around the world, with the goal of identifying new culinary species that may be useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases.

Perspectives of the Apiaceae Hepatoprotective Effects – A Review

The liver has the crucial role in the regulation of various physiological processes and in the excretion of endogenous waste metabolites and xenobiotics. Liver structure impairment can be caused by various factors including microorganisms, autoimmune diseases, chemicals, alcohol and drugs. The plant kingdom is full of liver protective chemicals such as phenols, coumarins, lignans, essential oils, monoterpenes, carotenoids, glycosides, flavonoids, organic acids, lipids, alkaloids and xanthenes. Apiaceae plants are usually used as a vegetable or as a spice, but their other functional properties are also very important. This review highlights the significance of caraway, dill, cumin, aniseed, fennel, coriander, celery, lovage, angelica, parsley and carrot, which are popular vegetables and spices, but possess hepatoprotective potential. These plants can be used for medicinal applications to patients who suffer from liver damage.

Interactions between dietary supplements in hospitalized patients

Inpatient consumption of dietary and herbal supplements (DHS) has recently received research attention, particularly due to potential DHS-drug interactions. Nevertheless, DHS-DHS interactions have seldom been evaluated among hospitalized patients. We evaluated potential DHS-DHS interactions among inpatients. The study was a cross-sectional prospective study, conducted at Bnai Zion Medical Center (Haifa, Israel) in 2009-2014. A multi-disciplinary team of researchers constructed a questionnaire aimed at detecting DHS use among inpatients. The Natural Medicine Database was used to examine identified DHS for potential DHS-DHS interactions. Then, medical files were reviewed to identify side effects potentially caused by such interactions and rate of documentation of DHS use. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to characterize potential risk factors for DHS-DHS interactions among hospitalized DHS users. Of 927 patients who agreed to answer the questionnaire, 458 (49.4 %) reported the use of 89 different DHS. Potential DHS-DHS interactions were identified in 12.9 % of DHS users. Three interactions were associated with the actual occurrence of adverse events. Patients at risk of DHS-DHS interactions included females (p = 0.026) and patients with greater numbers of concomitant medications (p < 0.0001) and of consumed DHS (p < 0.0001). In 88.9 % of DHS users, DHS use was not reported in medical files and only 18 % of the DHS involved in interactions were documented. Potential DHS-DHS interactions are common in inpatients, and may lead to hospitalization or worsen existing medical conditions. The causal relationship between potential interactions and actual adverse events requires further study.

Role of Zinc Supplementation in Testicular and Epididymal Damages in Diabetic Rat: Involvement of Nrf2, SOD1, and GPX5

Zinc (Zn) is one of the most important trace elements required for several biological processes. Diabetes negatively affects many organs, and diabetic patients are often hypozincemic. The present study aims to investigate the role of Zn supplementation in the testes, epididymis, and sperms of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat. Serum, testicular, and sperm Zn contents were found to be altered in diabetic rat. Biochemical, histopathological, and protein expression profiles were determined to decipher the role of Zn in protecting the cellular perturbations. Further, histopathological analyses of testes and epididymis showed deranged architecture along with other noted abnormalities. Diabetic testes showed decreased Nrf2, HO-1, SOD1, PCNA, and Bcl-2 expressions whereas increased COX-2, NF-κB, MT, IL-6, and p-ERK levels. SOD1 and GPX5 were decreased in the epididymis of diabetic rat, whereas Zn supplementation attenuated these changes. The present results demonstrate the beneficial role of Zn supplementation in diabetes-associated testicular alterations of rat.

Antiosteoporotic effect of Petroselinum crispum, Ocimum basilicum and Cichorium intybus L. in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in rats

BACKGROUND

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) is one of the serious side effects which have become the most common secondary osteoporosis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of parsley, basil and chicory on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in rats.

METHODS

Fifty Female rats were divided into five groups and treated for 8 weeks as follow: group 1 served as control; group (2) subcutaneously injected with 0.1 mg/kg b. wt. dexamethasone dissolved in saline; group 3 received similar dose of dexamethasone together with aqueous parsley extract in a dose of 2 g/kg b. wt.; group 4 received similar dose of dexamethasone together with 400 mg/kg b. wt. aqueous basil extract and group 5 received similar dose of dexamethasone together with 100 mg/kg b. wt. aqueous chicory extract.

RESULTS

The dexamethasone group showed a significant decrease in serum E2, Ca, P levels and significant decrease in total BMD, BMC and a significant increase in serum PTH, ALP and ACP. Bone TBARs was significantly increased while GSH, antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased. These changes were attenuated by parsley, basil and chicory extracts in the group 3, 4 and 5 respectively.

CONCLUSION

Aqueous extracts of parsley, basil and chicory showed bone protection against glucocorticoid-induced in rats. From our results, we concluded that chicory has a potent protective effect more than parsley and basil due to containing flavonoids and inulin.

Hepatoprotective effects of parsley, basil, and chicory aqueous extracts against dexamethasone-induced in experimental rats

Aim:

The objective of this study is to investigate the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective effects of the aqueous extract of parsley, basil, and chicory whole plant in normal and dexamethasone (Dex) rats.

Materials and Methods:

50 female albino rats were used in this study and divided into 5 groups (for each 10). Group (1) fed basal diet and maintained as negative control group. Group (2) received Dex in a dose of (0.1 mg/kg b. wt.). Groups 3, 4, and 5 were treated with Dex along with three different plant extracts of parsley, basil, and chicory (2 g/kg b. wt.), (400 mg/kg b. wt.), and (100 mg/kg b. wt.), respectively.

Results:

All these groups were treated given three times per week for 8 consecutive weeks. Dex-induced alterations in the levels of serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels and cardiovascular indices and serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, liver thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) levels increased, while high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, total protein, albumin, and liver glutathione (GSH) levels decreased. On the other hand, plant extracts succeeded to modulate these observed abnormalities resulting from Dex as indicated by the reduction of glucose, cholesterol, TBARS, and the pronounced improvement of the investigated biochemical and antioxidant parameters.

Conclusions:

It was concluded that probably, due to its antioxidant property, parsley, basil, and chicory extracts have hepatoprotective effects in Dex-induced in rats.

Ethnobotany of medicinal plants used in Antakya: A multicultural district in Hatay Province of Turkey

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

We have compiled information about the medicinal plants used in folk medicine in the district of Antakya. Since its establishment by King Seleucus I in 300 B.C., Antakya (old Antioch) has hosted nearly 20 civilizations. Antakya, neighboring Northwestern Syria, is located on the western end of the "Silk Road" and was one of the great centers of Graeco-Roman world. Today, Antakya is a cosmopolitan city in which Arabic and Turkish are widely spoken, and where distinct ethnic and religious communities, such as Arab Alawite, Arab Christian, Arab Sunni, Turk Sunni, Armenian, and Jewish, have been living together in harmony for centuries. In addition, the rich flora in the vicinity of Antakya also renders the area interesting in terms of ethnobotanical fieldwork.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to compile the information about plants used for medicinal purposes by local people in the district of Antakya. This city is a significant region in terms of ethnobotanical fieldwork, owing to its cosmopolitan structure, long history, relatively preserved traditional community structure, and rich flora. Furthermore, we sought to compare the ethnomedicinal data geographically, cross-culturally, and historically.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethnobotany of medicinal plants used in the district of Antakya has been investigated through two separate studies; one was conducted in 1975, interviewing 29 people, and the other was conducted in 2011-2013, interviewing 182 people. The use value (UV) and informant consensus factor (FIC) values of the plants were calculated. In order to interpret the authenticity and sources of the compiled ethnomedicinal information, previous publications that contain information about the similar medicinal uses of plants identified in our region were reviewed and evaluated meticulously. A comparison with the data obtained from other regions of Turkey and from other Mediterranean regions, as well as a cross-cultural analysis between the ethnic groups within the study area, was performed by implementation of the Jaccard index (JI) RESULTS: Throughout the study, information about 202 medicinal plant taxa was compiled. Among these plants, 39 have either not yet been mentioned in ethnobotanical or medicinal studies, or have been used for a medicinal purpose other than those encountered in the literature review. The ethnomedicinal information we gathered from the study area exhibits close similarities to the ethnomedicinal information of other Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries where Arabic is spoken, as well as to that of Northern and Western Mediterranean countries where Latin languages are spoken. In addition to these similarities, in most cases, this ethnomedicinal information shows hybrid features of ethnomedicinal knowledge from Eastern and Western Mediterranean countries.

CONCLUSION

Based on a literature survey, we found that the cited medicinal uses for 43 plants have also been corroborated by other various biological testings. This finding strongly suggests the importance of ethnobotanical studies in the development of new medicines. We believe that this study has compiled rich ethnomedicinal information that reflects the cosmopolitan structure of Antakya in a very good way.

Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) extract improved hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and surfactant-associated protein alterations in rat lungs

CONTEXT

Chard is used as an antidiabetic agent by the diabetic patients in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE

The effect of chard extract [Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla (Chenopodiaceae)] on the antioxidant system and the expression of surfactant-associated proteins (SP) in the lungs of hyperglycemic rats were examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hyperglycemia was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) provided intraperitoneally. Fourteen days after the rats were rendered hyperglycemic, the chard (2 g/kg/d), insulin (6 U/kg/d), and chard plus insulin (as mentioned above) were administered to rats for 45 d. On day 60, rats' lungs were removed. Oxidative stress parameters and SP expression were assayed.

RESULTS

The lungs of hyperglycemic rats were characterized by the induced lipid and protein oxidation, elevated myeloperoxidase and xanthine oxidase activities, decreased glutathione levels, and reduced tissue factor and antioxidant enzymes activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase). Chard treatment alone and chard treatment combined with insulin were capable of achieving a regression of pulmonary oxidative stress, by inhibiting lipid and protein oxidation, and restoring the antioxidant system of hyperglycemic rats. SP-A expressions were significantly unchanged in all groups, whereas pro-SP-C and SP-D expressions were reduced in hyperglycemic rats. Pro-SP-C and SP-D levels were increased by chard and insulin administrations alone and combined in hyperglycemic rats.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

All treatments have a positive effect on the surfactant and antioxidant systems of the lungs of hyperglycemic rats. The best therapeutic effect was provided by treatment with chard extract alone in the compensation of hyperglycemic symptoms.

The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of P. crispum on sperm parameters, testis tissue and serum nitric oxide levels in mice

Background:

Sperm dysfunction is one of the main causes of male infertility. Petroselinum crispum (P. crispum) is a member of umbelliferae family that contains different vitamins and minerals and has numerous therapeutic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate P. crispum effect on sperm parameters, testis tissue and serum nitric oxid levels in mice.

Materials and Methods:

Hydroalcoholic extract of P. crispum was prepared and administered intraperitoneally (0,100, 150 and 200 mg/kg) to 40 mice, which were divided into four groups (n = 10), one control group and three experimental groups, for 14 consequent days. The sperm parameter such as motility, sperm count, morphology, and seminiferous tubules diameter, and weight of prostate and testis, and serum nitric oxide levels were analyzed.

Results:

P. crispum administration (100, 150 and 200 mg/kg) significantly increased mean percentage of sperm motility, testis and prostate weight and serum nitric oxide compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, no significant effect was reported for different doses of P. crispum extract on sperm parameters.

Conclusion:

Administrating hydroalcoholic extract of P. crispum has positive effects on some reproductive parameters.

Culinary herbs and spices: their bioactive properties, the contribution of polyphenols and the challenges in deducing their true health benefits

Herbs and spices have been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. Over the last decade, research into their role as contributors of dietary polyphenols, known to possess a number of properties associated with reducing the risk of developing chronic non-communicable diseases, has increased. However, bearing in mind how these foods are consumed, normally in small quantities and in combination with other foods, it is unclear what their true benefit is from a health perspective. The aim of this review is to use the literature to discuss how preparative and digestive processes, bioavailability and interactions between foods may influence the bioactive properties of these foods, and whether or not polyphenols are responsible for these properties. Furthermore, this review aims to highlight the challenges that need to be addressed so as to determine the true benefits of these foods and the mechanisms of action that underpin their purported efficacy.

The combination of mitragynine and morphine prevents the development of morphine tolerance in mice

Mitragynine (MG) is the major active alkaloid found in Mitragyna speciosa Korth. In the present study, we investigated the enhancement of analgesic action of MG when combined with morphine and the effect of the combination on the development of tolerance towards morphine. Mice were administered intraperitoneally with a dose of MG (15 and 25 mg/kg b.wt) combined with morphine (5 mg/kg b.wt) respectively for 9 days. The antinociceptive effect was evaluated by a hot plate test. The protein expression of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cAMP response element binding (CREB) was analyzed by immunoblot. Toxicological parameters especially liver and kidney function tests were assessed after the combination treatment with MG and morphine. The concurrent administration of MG and morphine showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in latency time when compared to morphine alone group and the outstanding analgesic effects in the combination regimens were maintained until day 9. For the protein expression, there was a significant increment of cAMP and CREB levels (p < 0.05) in group treated with 5 mg/kg morphine but there was no significant change of these protein expressions when MG was combined with morphine. There was a significant changes in toxicological parameters of various treated groups. The combination treatment of MG and morphine effectively reduce the tolerance due to the chronic administration of morphine.

Combined effects of treatment with vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium on the skin of diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium (Se) on the skin tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Swiss albino rats were divided into four groups: control, control + antioxidants, diabetic, diabetic + antioxidants groups. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin. Vitamin C (250 mg/kg), vitamin E (250 mg/kg) and Se (0.2 mg/kg) were given by gavage technique to rats of one diabetic and one control group for 30 days. In the diabetic group, the levels of serum urea and creatinine, skin lipid peroxidation and nonenzymatic glycosylation levels increased, but skin glutathione levels decreased. Treatment with vitamin C, vitamin E and Se reversed these effects. The present study showed that vitamin C, vitamin E and Se exerted antioxidant effects and consequently may prevent skin damage caused by streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Immunomodulatory effect of Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) essential oil on immune cells: mitogen-activated splenocytes and peritoneal macrophages

INTRODUCTION

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) has been traditionally used for the treatment of allergy, autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders. The present study aims to investigate the suppressive effects of parsley essential oil on mouse splenocytes and macrophages cells.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Parsley essential oil was harvested. It was treated on splenocytes and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) (5 μg/mL) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (10 μg/mL) activated splenocytes in different concentrations (0.01-100 μg/mL); then, proliferation was assayed by methyl tetrazolium (MTT) method. Treatment was also performed on the macrophages and LPS-stimulated macrophages (10 μg/ml) and the nitrite levels were measured using the diazotization method based on the Griess reaction and MTT assay for evaluation of the viability of the macrophages.

RESULTS

Proliferation of splenocytes in all the treated groups was suppressed. In PHA-stimulated splenocytes, the suppression was seen in all the examined concentrations (0.01-100 μg/mL), while in the unstimulated and LPS-stimulated groups suppression was relatively dose dependent and in high concentration (10 and100 μg/mL).The viability of the macrophages in all groups was the same and in the unstimulated groups; NO suppression was significant in all the concentrations but in LPS-stimulated groups, it was significant in the three higher concentrations (1, 10, and100 μg/mL).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that parsley essential oil may be able to suppress the cellular and humoral immune response. It can also suppress both NO production and the functions of macrophages as the main innate immune cells. These results may suggest that parsley essential oil is a proper suppressant for different applications.

Cytoprotective effect of Semecarpus anacardium against toxicity induced by Streptozotocin in rats

Leakage of cellular enzymes into the plasma is a clear indication of cell damage. When liver plasma membrane is damaged, a variety of enzymes normally located in the cytosol are released into the blood stream and their estimation is a quantitative marker for the extent of damage. The cytoprotective effect of Semecarpus anacardium was evaluated in rats that were rendered diabetic by administration of streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. The activities of the marker enzymes were assayed in the serum, liver and kidney. The indicators of renal damage such as urea, uric acid and creatinine were assayed in addition to the blood profile. The results of the present study reveal that Semecarpus anacardium was able to reverse the levels of the marker enzymes, and protect the kidney by reverting back to the normal levels of urea, uric acid, and creatinine. The abnormal blood parameters were also reverted to near normal levels indicating the drug’s cytoprotective effect.

Relaxant activity of aqueous and ethanol extracts of parsley (Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nym. ex A.W. Hill, Apiaceae) on isolated ileum of rat

Introduction. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is used in the traditional herbal medicine to treat intestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of aqueous and ethanol extracts of parsley on spontaneous and acetylcholine induced contractions on isolated rat ileum. Material and methods. Wistar albino rats (250-300g) were used in this study. The ileum portions were isolated out and cleaned off mesenteries. Preparations 2 cm long were mounted in 20 ml tissue baths containing Tyrode's solution maintained at 37?C and aerated with a mixture of 5% carbon dioxide in oxygen. In the first part of experiments, contractile responses to the aqueous (ethanol) extracts of parsley were recorded. In the second part, increasing concentrations of acetylcholine were added to the organ bath for a full concentration response curve and then concentration response curves were obtained after adding the aqueous (ethanol) extracts of parsley. Results and discussion. Our results showed that aqueous (62.22?7.15%) and ethanol (79.16?9.34%) extracts of parsley in dose dependent manner decreased the tonus of spontaneous contractions of isolated rat ileum. The aqueous (32.16?2.75%) and ethanol (53.96?4.86%) extracts of parsley reduced the acetylcholine induced contraction, the reduction was greater with ethanol extract than with the aqueous one. Conclusion. It can be concluded that the aqueous and ethanol extracts of parsley exert antispasmodic activity on rat ileum. The relaxant effect of ethanol extract was better comparing to aqueous extract of parsley.

The effects of combined treatment of antioxidants on the liver injury in STZ diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to examine whether an antioxidant combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, and sodium selenate (Se) has an effect on the liver of diabetic rats. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and Se were administered for 30 days to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic and control groups. In the STZ diabetic group, blood glucose levels, liver lipid peroxidation (LPO), and nonenzymatic glycosylation (NEG) levels increased, but blood and liver glutathione levels decreased. On the other hand, combined antioxidant treatment reversed these effects. In the diabetic group, some degenerative changes were observed by light and electron microscopic examinations, but the degenerative changes decreased in the diabetic group given antioxidant combination. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry showed that the number of proliferative hepatocytes increased significantly with antioxidant treatment. It was concluded that combined treatment with vitamin C, vitamin E, and Se has a curative effect against the hepatotoxicity produced by STZ-induced diabetes.

Spasmolytic effect of Petroselinum crispum (Parsley) on rat's ileum at different calcium chloride concentrations

Traditional herbal medicines such as Petroselinum crispum (Parsley) have been used for treatment of intestinal disorders in Iran. To date no pharmacological evidence for their effectiveness has been reported. The aim of this study was to examine the relaxant effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Petroselinum crispum on isolated adult male Wistar rat's ileum contraction by KCl 60 (mM). The extract was prepared from parsley seed with 80% ethanol. A portion of ileum was removed and placed in an organ bath containing Tyrode solution (37 degrees C, pH = 7.4) bubbled with air. From a resting tension of 1 g, isotonic Transducer and Harvard Universal Oscillograph were used for recording contraction of ileum after administration of 60 mM KCl. Various concentration of extract were added to the bath. This experiment showed that, the extract in a dose-dependent manner decreased the induced-KCl ileums contraction (n = 7, p < 0.001). Also adding extract before influence of KCl, cause reduced effect of KCl (n = 7, p < 0.001). In addition, the Tyrode solution without CaCl2 and high concentration of K+, various concentration of extract significantly (n = 7, p < 0.001) decreased the CaCl2-induced contraction. Therefore, it seems that the relaxation effect of extract alcoholic parsley seed on the contraction of ileum is performed by blocking of voltage-gated calcium channels.

Influence of tetrahydrocurcumin on hepatic and renal functional markers and protein levels in experimental type 2 diabetic rats

Curcumin is the most active component of turmeric. It is believed that curcumin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Tetrahydrocurcumin is one of the major metabolites of curcumin that exhibits many of the same physiologic and pharmacological activities as curcumin and in some systems may exert greater antioxidant activity than curcumin. Oral administration of tetrahydrocurcumin at 80 mg/kg body weight to diabetic rats for 45 days resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose and significant increase in plasma insulin levels. In addition, the diabetic rats had decreased levels of plasma total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin/globulin ratio as compared to control rats. After treatment with tetrahydrocurcumin and curcumin total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin/globulin ratio were brought back to near normal. The activities of hepatic and renal markers were significantly elevated in diabetic rats as compared to control rats, and treatment with tetrahydrocurcumin and curcumin has reversed these parameters to near normal levels. In diabetic rats, the decreased levels of urea, uric acid and creatinine with increased levels of albumin and urine volume was observed, and treatment with tetrahydrocurcumin and curcumin reversed these parameters to near normal. Tetrahydrocurcumin appeared to have a better protective effect when compared to curcumin.

Herbal medicines as diuretics: a review of the scientific evidence

There is increasing interest in the health and wellness benefits of herbs and botanicals. This is with good reason as they might offer a natural safeguard against the development of certain conditions and be a putative treatment for some diseases. One such area may be the lowering of blood pressure in those where it is elevated (i.e., hypertension). One class of clinical medicines used to lower blood pressure are known as diuretics and work by increasing the excretion of urine from the body as well as the amount of sodium in urine. There are a growing number of studies purporting diuretic effects with traditional medicines. The aim of this article was to review these studies and identify which extracts promote diuresis (which we assessed on terms of urine excreted and urinary sodium excretion) and also to identify the research needs in this area. We identified a number of species and genuses reporting diuretic effects. Of these, the most promising, at the present time, are the species Foeniculum vulgare, Fraxinus excelsior, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Petroselinum sativum and Spergularia purpurea, and species from the genuses Cucumis (Cucumis melo and Cucumis trigonus), Equisetum (Equisetum bogotense, Equisetum fluviatile, Equisetum giganteum, Equisetum hiemale var. affine and Equisetum myriochaetum), Lepidium (Lepidium latifolium and Lepidium sativum), Phyllanthus (Phyllanthus amarus, Phyllanthus corcovadensis and Phyllanthus sellowianus) and Sambucus (Sambucus mexicana and Sambucus nigra). However, there the number of studies is limited and we recommend that further studies be conducted to confirm reported effects. Such evidence is needed to provide scientific credence to the folklore use of traditional medicines and even be helpful in the development of future medicines, treatments and treatment guidelines.

Effects of melatonin on streptozotocin-induced diabetic liver injury in rats

This study investigated the possible protective effects of melatonin as an antioxidant against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic liver injury in rats. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: untreated control (UC), melatonin-treated control (MC), untreated diabetic (UD), and melatonin-treated diabetic (MD). Experimental diabetes was induced by a single-dose (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (ip)) STZ injection, and melatonin was injected (200 microg/kg/day, ip) for 4 weeks. Upon light and electron microscopic examination, we observed that melatonin improved the morphological and histopathological changes of the liver caused by diabetes. Malondialdehyde levels in the liver homogenates of UD rats were higher than those of controls and were markedly reduced after melatonin treatment. Although no significant difference was observed with respect to antioxidant status, the superoxide dismutase activity tended to be higher in the UD rats than in the treated rats. Our findings showed that melatonin administration partially reduced liver injury in STZ-induced diabetic rats.