The effect of 12 weeks Anethum graveolens (dill) on metabolic markers in patients with metabolic syndrome; a randomized double blind controlled trial

Natural products for managing metabolic syndrome: a scoping review

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome comprises a collection of metabolic disorders stemming from factors like genetic predisposition, inadequate nutrition, stress, decreased physical activity, aging, and ethnicity. Although traditional pharmaceutical treatments exist for metabolic syndrome, their limited popularity is attributed to high costs and adverse effects. Consequently, natural products with fewer side effects have been explored for managing this condition. This literature review aims to explore the role of natural products including herbs, botanicals, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and dietary supplements in managing metabolic syndrome.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted in five steps, involving the formulation of a research question, the retrieval and extraction of relevant studies, the selection of pertinent studies, the organization of information into tables, and the reporting of results. Data was collected from various databases including Embase, Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, with a focus on studies published from 2010 to the present, available in English and with full-text accessibility.

Results

We identified 1,259 articles, screened their titles, abstracts, and full texts, ultimately incorporating 169 pertinent articles into this review (comprising 90 review articles, 32 trial articles, 6 in vitro articles, 38 in vivo articles, 1 experimental article and 2 observational articles). The study's outcomes revealed that natural products, encompassing plants and their derivatives, vitamins and supplements, as well as probiotics, can exert a beneficial influence on metabolic syndrome by regulating blood sugar, blood pressure, lipid profiles, obesity, and abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Conclusion

The current study underscores the significance of natural products in addressing metabolic syndrome. Consequently, it is advisable to conduct further extensive research to assess the efficacy of these products, potentially integrating them into treatment regimens for individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Natural products for managing metabolic syndrome: a scoping review

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome comprises a collection of metabolic disorders stemming from factors like genetic predisposition, inadequate nutrition, stress, decreased physical activity, aging, and ethnicity. Although traditional pharmaceutical treatments exist for metabolic syndrome, their limited popularity is attributed to high costs and adverse effects. Consequently, natural products with fewer side effects have been explored for managing this condition. This literature review aims to explore the role of natural products including herbs, botanicals, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and dietary supplements in managing metabolic syndrome.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted in five steps, involving the formulation of a research question, the retrieval and extraction of relevant studies, the selection of pertinent studies, the organization of information into tables, and the reporting of results. Data was collected from various databases including Embase, Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, with a focus on studies published from 2010 to the present, available in English and with full-text accessibility.

Results

We identified 1,259 articles, screened their titles, abstracts, and full texts, ultimately incorporating 169 pertinent articles into this review (comprising 90 review articles, 32 trial articles, 6 in vitro articles, 38 in vivo articles, 1 experimental article and 2 observational articles). The study’s outcomes revealed that natural products, encompassing plants and their derivatives, vitamins and supplements, as well as probiotics, can exert a beneficial influence on metabolic syndrome by regulating blood sugar, blood pressure, lipid profiles, obesity, and abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Conclusion

The current study underscores the significance of natural products in addressing metabolic syndrome. Consequently, it is advisable to conduct further extensive research to assess the efficacy of these products, potentially integrating them into treatment regimens for individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Protective Effects of Medicinal Plant-Based Foods against Diabetes: A Review on Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Molecular Mechanisms

Diabetes mellitus (DM) comprises a range of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by defects in insulin release, insulin action, or both. DM is a widespread condition that affects a substantial portion of the global population, causing high morbidity and mortality rates. The prevalence of this major public health crisis is predicted to increase in the forthcoming years. Although several drugs are available to manage DM, these are associated with adverse side effects, which limits their use. In underdeveloped countries, where such drugs are often costly and not widely available, many people continue to rely on alternative traditional medicine, including medicinal plants. The latter serves as a source of primary healthcare and plant-based foods in many low- and middle-income countries. Interestingly, many of the phytochemicals they contain have been demonstrated to possess antidiabetic activity such as lowering blood glucose levels, stimulating insulin secretion, and alleviating diabetic complications. Therefore, such plants may provide protective effects that could be used in the management of DM. The purpose of this article was to review the medicinal plant-based foods traditionally used for the management of DM, including their therapeutic effects, pharmacologically active phytoconstituents, and antidiabetic mode of action at the molecular level. It also presents future avenues for research in this field.

Origin, evolution, breeding, and omics of Apiaceae: a family of vegetables and medicinal plants

Many of the world's most important vegetables and medicinal crops, including carrot, celery, coriander, fennel, and cumin, belong to the Apiaceae family. In this review, we summarize the complex origins of Apiaceae and the current state of research on the family, including traditional and molecular breeding practices, bioactive compounds, medicinal applications, nanotechnology, and omics research. Numerous molecular markers, regulatory factors, and functional genes have been discovered, studied, and applied to improve vegetable and medicinal crops in Apiaceae. In addition, current trends in Apiaceae application and research are also briefly described, including mining new functional genes and metabolites using omics research, identifying new genetic variants associated with important agronomic traits by population genetics analysis and GWAS, applying genetic transformation, the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system, and nanotechnology. This review provides a reference for basic and applied research on Apiaceae vegetable and medicinal plants.

Anethum graveolens L. (Dill) effect on human lipid profile: An updated systematic Review

Dill is an aromatic edible herb, belongs to the genus Anethum in the celery family (Apiaceae or Umbelliferae) with a long history of cultivation from ancient times and two closely related cultivated species, European dill (Anethum graveolens) and Indian dill (Anethum Sowa). We wanted to do this systematic review on the effect of Anethum graveolens intake on lipid profile because the outcomes of multiple research and meta-analyses in this regard were inconsistent. A systematic search for English published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) covering PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Coherence library. The pooled weighted mean difference (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and pooled using a random-effects model. Pooled data of six RCTs involving 171 intervention cases indicated that dill supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in mean serum total cholesterol (MD 95% CI= -3.71(-5.71,-1.70); p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (MD 95% CI= -1.51(-2.65,-0.47); p = 0.005), triglycerides (MD 95% CI= -2.48(-3.98,-0.98); p = 0.001) and interestingly high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (HDL-C) (MD 95% CI= -2.19(-3.58,-0.81); p = 0.002). Subgroup analysis showed that dill use was more effective in lowering triglyceride in both hyperlipidemic patients, MD 95% CI= -3.54(-6.49,-0.60); p = 0.02) and type 2 diabetes (MD 95% CI= -3.64(-5.69,-1.58); p = 0.001). Dill use reduced the LDL levels more effectively in patients with type 2 diabetes (MD 95% CI= -3.54(-6.49,-0.60); p = 0.03). Dill supplementation significantly improved LDL-C, TG, and TC levels but not HDL-C. Further high quality controlled clinical trials on human is needed for more accurate and confirm conclusion.

Favorable effects of Anethum graveolens on liver oxidative stress and cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase levels in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rat models

Background

High-fat high-cholesterol diet induces a phenotype similar to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in humans. In NAFLD and NASH, cholesterol and bile acid metabolisms are impaired to accumulate lipids and toxic bile acids along with cholestatic hepatic damage. Recently, the use of herbal-derived cholesterol lowering products has attracted much attention as possible therapeutic strategies for NAFLD. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of an Anethum graveolens (dill) on liver cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase and liver fat accumulation in rats.

Method

Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 6) and received normal diet (ND) or a mixture of chow diet+2% cholesterol+0.5% cholic acid + 20% corn oil as high cholesterol/fat (HC–HF) diet (NAFLD model). Animals were also treated daily with dill tablet or dill extract (300 mg/kg). At the end of the 30 days experiments, serum and liver lipid profile and liver total antioxidant capacity were determined. Cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase mRNA and protein expression levels were determined in the liver and histopathological changes in liver tissues were analyzed by microscope.

Results

Lipid profiles significantly decreased in dill treated groups (p < 0.05). Liver total antioxidant capacity significantly (p < 0.05) increased and MDA levels markedly (p < 0.05) reduced both in dill tablet and dill extract treated groups (p < 0.05). Both types of treatments caused significant increases in liver cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase gene expression (p < 0.05). Histopathological examinations showed that treatment with dill normalized the hypercholesterolemia-induced changes in liver histology.

Conclusion

Administration of dill significantly reduced liver fat, oxidative stress and increased cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase enzyme at the both mRNA and protein levels. Dill extract was found more effective than its commercially available tablet.

Mechanistic Aspects of Apiaceae Family Spices in Ameliorating Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. In an effort to search for new strategies for treating AD, natural products have become candidates of choice. Plants are a rich source of bioactive and effective compounds used in treating numerous diseases. Various plant extracts are known to display neuroprotective activities by targeting different pathophysiological pathways in association with the diseases, such as inhibiting enzymes responsible for degrading neurotransmitters, reducing oxidative stress, neuroprotection, inhibiting amyloid plaque formation, and replenishing mitochondrial function. This review presented a comprehensive evaluation of the available scientific literature (in vivo, in vitro, and in silico) on the neuroprotective mechanisms displayed by the extracts/bioactive compounds from spices belonging to the Apiaceae family in ameliorating AD.

The effect of herbs and spices on risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases: a review of human clinical trials

Herbs and spices are recommended to increase flavor and displace salt in the diet. Accumulating evidence suggests herbs and spices may improve risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. In this narrative review, an overview of evidence from human clinical trials examining the effect of herbs and spices on risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases is provided. Human clinical trials examining supplemental doses of individual spices and herbs, or the active compounds, have yielded some evidence showing improvements to lipid and lipoprotein levels, glycemic control, blood pressure, adiposity, inflammation, and oxidative stress. However, cautious interpretation is warranted because of methodological limitations and substantial between-trial heterogeneity in the findings. Evidence from acute studies suggests intake of mixed herbs and spices as part of a high-saturated fat, high-carbohydrate meal reduces postprandial metabolic impairments, including lipemia, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. Limited studies have examined the postprandial metabolic effects of incorporating mixed herbs and spices into healthy meals, and, to our knowledge, no trials have assessed the effect of longer-term intake of mixed herbs and spices on risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. To inform evidence-based guidelines for intake of herbs and spices for general health and cardiometabolic disease risk reduction, rigorously conducted randomized controlled trials are needed, particularly trials examining herb and spice doses that can be incorporated into healthy dietary patterns.

The effects of Anethum graveolens (dill) supplementation on lipid profile and glycemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

There is an increased interest in the potential health benefits of nutraceutical therapies, such as Anethum graveolens (dill). Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of Anethum graveolens supplementation on lipid profiles and glycemic indices in adults. A systematic search was performed for literature published through November 2020 via PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Embase to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of oral supplementation with A. graveolens on lipid profile and measures of glycemic control in adults. The random-effects model was applied to establish the weighted mean difference (WMD) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI). Seven RCTs with a total number of 330 subjects were included in the final analysis. Pooled results indicated that A. graveolens supplementation significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) concentration (WMD: -15.64 mg/dL; 95% CI: -24.55 to -6.73; P = 0.001), serum insulin (WMD: -2.28 μU/ml; 95% CI: -3.62 to -0.93; P = 0.001), and HOMA-IR (WMD: -1.06; 95% CI: -1.91 to -0.20; P = 0.01). However, there was no significant effect on serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and fasting blood glucose (FBS). Subgroup analysis suggested that using A. graveolens in higher doses and long-term duration had beneficial effects on lipid profiles. Dose-response analysis also showed a significant reduction in FBS at doses of 1500 mg/d. The present meta-analysis indicated that Anethum graveolens could exert favorable effects on insulin resistance and serum LDL. Further research is necessary to confirm our findings.

The effects of Anethum graveolens (dill) powder supplementation on clinical and metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Anethum graveolens (dill) powder supplementation on glycemic control, lipid profile, some antioxidants and inflammatory markers, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods

In this study, 42 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups and received either 3 g/day dill powder or placebo (3 capsules/day, 1 g each). Fasting blood sugar, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde and gastrointestinal symptoms were measured in all of the subjects at baseline and postintervention.

Results

The dill powder supplementation significantly decreased the mean serum levels of insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol and malondialdehyde in the intervention group in comparison with the baseline measurements (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the mean serum levels of high-density lipoprotein and total antioxidant capacity were significantly increased in the intervention group in comparison with the baseline measurement (P < 0.05). Colonic motility disorder was the only gastrointestinal symptom whose frequency was significantly reduced by supplementation (P = 0.01). The mean changes in insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol and malondialdehyde were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the mean changes in high-density lipoprotein were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Dill powder supplementation can be effective in controlling the glycemic, lipid, stress oxidative and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration

Iran Clinical Trials Registry: IRCT20120704010181N12. Registered on 12 May 2018.

Effects of Boiled Dill Seed on Anxiety During Labor: A Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of boiled dill seed (Anethum graveolens) on anxiety during childbirth compared with oxytocin.

METHODS

This study was a randomized clinical trial with 100 pregnant women who were assigned to the oxytocin (50 cases) and the boiled dill seed (50 cases) group by a table of random number. In the boiled dill seed group, 10 g of dill seed was boiled in 100 mL for 10 min and was given to women after filtration once orally at the beginning of active phase. In the oxytocin group, 10 IU of oxytocin in 1000 mL of Ringer solution was prescribed according to the clinical routine. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) in both groups before (at the beginning of the active phase) and after (6 h after the delivery) was completed. Meanwhile, pain intensity and duration of labor, dilatation and effacement scores, Apgar score of newborns, and FHR were measured and evaluated.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were shown in obvious anxiety scores between the two groups at baseline (P0.05). After the delivery, in the boiled dill seed group, the number of women with severe [0 vs. 8.0% (4/50)] and almost severe [0 vs. 14.0% (7/50)] trait and almost severe [0 vs. 14.0% (7/50)] state anxiety was lower than those in the control group (P=0.050, P=0.041, respectively). Moreover, labor was shorter in the 1st (P 0.01), 2nd (P=0.78) and 3rd (P=0.10) stages in the boiled dill seed group compared to the control group CONCLUSIONS: Dill seed could be used as an effective treatment to reduce anxiety during labor. Dill seed can be effective in reducing the length of labor. Due to lack of maternal and fetal complications, the boiled dill seed could also be used to reduce cesarean section rates in women who are fearful and anxious of delivery. (RCT Code: IRCT201607177065N2).

Medicinal plants with antithrombotic property in Persian medicine: a mechanistic review

Thrombosis is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in a wide range of vessels diseases. Due to the high prevalence of thromboembolic disorders investigations are being carried out on new antithrombotic agents with limited adverse side effects in which herbal medicines are considered as alternative remedies. Persian medicine (PM) as a traditional medicine has a good potential for pharmacotherapy based on its own principles and development of drugs via investigating PM literature. In PM manuscripts there are some concepts that express the management of blood clots and antithrombotic properties. This study reviewed the pharmacological effects of medicinal plants mentioned in PM literature for blood clot management in light of current knowledge. Plants mentioned in PM for management of blood clot belong to 12 families in which Apiaceae, Lamiaceae and Compositae were the most repeated ones. Among the proposed plants Allium sativum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Boswellia serrata, Sesamum indicum, Matricaria chamomilla and Carthamus tinctorius have been the most researched plants in modern antithrombotic studies while for some plants such as Helichrysum stoechas, Dracocephalum kotschi, Carum carvi, Bunium persicum and Lagoecia cuminoides no evidence could be found. One of the interesting notes in clot management in PM texts was introducing the target organ for some of the recommended herbs like Carum carvi and Bunium persicum for dissolving blood clot in stomach and Commiphora mukul for thrombosed hemorrhoid. It seems review of PM recommendations can help to design future researches for antithrombotic drugs discovering with more effectiveness and safety.

An Overview on Indications and Chemical Composition of Aromatic Waters (Hydrosols) as Functional Beverages in Persian Nutrition Culture and Folk Medicine for Hyperlipidemia and Cardiovascular Conditions

Hydrosol beverages in Persian nutrition culture and ethnomedicine are the side products of essential oil industry that are used as delicious drinks or safe remedies. To investigate indications and chemical composition of hydrosol beverages for hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular conditions, Fars province was selected as the field of study. Ethnomedical data were gathered by questionnaires. The constituents of hydrosols were extracted with liquid/liquid extraction and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis were used to cluster their constituents and find the relevance of their composition. A literature survey was also performed on plants used to prepare them. Thymol was the major or second major component of these beverages, except for wormwood and olive leaf hydrosols. Based on clustering methods, although some similarities could be found, composition of barberry, will fumitory, dill, and aloe hydrosols have more differences than others. These studies may help in developing some functional beverages or new therapeutics.

The Role of Anethum graveolens L. (Dill) in the Management of Diabetes

Aim. There is evidence that Anethum graveolens (AG) has been used for centuries in Asian traditional medicine, and its constituents have useful effects on the control and management of diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. AG has many useful effects, including hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects, and it has been reported to reduce the incidence of diabetic complications. It acts mainly by affecting antioxidant capacity and change in some genes in glucose and lipid pathways. The aim of the present paper was to summarize pharmacological effects of AG in the management of diabetes. Methods. To prepare this review, a pharmacological and phytochemical literature survey was performed using Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Also, some historical and ethnopharmacological literature sources were used. Results. This review plans to provide readers with an assessment of the pharmacological effects of AG, especially in diabetes. Conclusion. The paper highlights the therapeutic effects of AG which would aid in supporting their safe use in the management of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Diabetes mellitus and its management with medicinal plants: A perspective based on Iranian research

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Complementary and alternative medicine has been increasingly used to treat chronic illnesses, such as diabetes mellitus. However, various limitations in terms of their application and efficacies exist. Furthermore, there is still much to be done to discover the right herbal medicine for diabetes.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This paper aims to evaluate previous herbal studies on the management of diabetes mellitus, to address their strengths and weaknesses and propose a general framework for future studies.

APPROACH AND METHODS

Data sources such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SpringerLink, and Wiley were searched, limited to Iran, using 36 search terms such as herbal, traditional, medicine, and phytopharmacy in combination with diabetes and related complications. Reviewed articles were evaluated regarding the use of botanical nomenclature and included information on (1) identity of plants and plant parts used, (2) the processing procedure, and (3) the extraction process. The main outcomes were extracted and then surveyed in terms of the efficacies of herbs in the management of diabetes mellitus. Then a comparative study was performed between Iranian and non-Iranian studies with respect to herbs best studied in Iran.

RESULTS

Of the 82 herbs studied in Iran, only six herbs were endemic and 19 were studied in detail. Although most of the reviewed herbs were found to decrease the level of blood glucose (BG) and/or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) in both Iranian and non-Iranian studies, information on their pharmacological mechanisms is scarce. However, the level of HbA1C was measured in a limited number of clinical trials or animal studies. Available information on both short- and long-term use of studied herbs on diabetes related complications and functions of involved organs as well as comorbid depression and/or simultaneous changes in lifestyle is also insufficient. Furthermore, little or no information on their phytochemical, toxicological, and herb-drug interaction properties is available. It is worth noting that the efficacy of the reviewed herbs has been studied scarcely in both humans and animals regarding both Iranian and non-Iranian studies. A significant number of reviewed articles failed to cite the scientific name of herbs and include information on the processing procedure and the extraction process.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of diabetes mellitus as a multifactorial disease using herbal medicines requires a comprehensive approach. In order to discover the right herbal medicine for the management of diabetes many other important factors than the levels of BG, HbA1C and insulin should be considered. According to our criteria, all the reviewed herbs suffered from inadequate investigation in human, animal and in vitro models in this respect, whereas they are worth investigating further. However, more research on endemic plants and the traditional history of herbal medicine is warranted. In our opinion, the pharmacological, toxicological, and phytochemical information should be obtained before clinical trials. Furthermore, information such as botanical scientific nomenclature, side effects, and toxicity will improve the quality and validity of publications in herbal research. In particular, designing a database covering all valid information about herbs and/or diseases will decrease unnecessary costs and increase the efficiency of research.

Herbs with anti-lipid effects and their interactions with statins as a chemical anti- hyperlipidemia group drugs: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The present systematic review aimed to express the clinical anti-lipid effects of different types of herbs, as well as described studied interactions between herbal remedies and prescribed drugs for hyperlipidemic patients which were based on in vitro experiments, animal studies, and empirical clinical experiences.

METHODS

For this systematic review, we explored 2183 published papers about herbal drugs interactions from November 1967 to August 2014, fulfilling eligibility criteria by searching in some databases such as Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, Embase, Cinahl, and the Cochrane database. The main keywords used for searching included: herbal medicine, herbs, statin, lipid, and herb-drug interaction.

RESULTS

Among published articles about herb-drug interactions, 185 papers met the initial search criteria and among them, 92 papers were potentially retrievable including a description of 17 herbs and medicinal plants. In first step and by reviewing all published manuscripts on beneficial effects of herbs on serum lipids level, 17 herbs were described to be effective on lipid profile as lowering serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as increasing serum high-density lipoprotein level. Some herbs such as celery could even affect the hepatic triglyceride concentrations. The herbal reaction toward different types of statins is varied so that grapefruit or pomegranate was interacted with only some types of statins, but not with all statin types. In this context, administration of herbal materials can lead to decreased absorption of statins or decreased the plasma concentration of these drugs.

CONCLUSION

Various types of herbs can potentially reduce serum lipid profile with the different pathways; however, the herb-drug interactions may decrease pharmacological therapeutic effects of anti-hyperlipidemic drugs that should be considered when approved herbs are prescribed.

A randomized clinical trial of the efficacy of applying a simple protocol of boiled Anethum Graveolens seeds on pain intensity and duration of labor stages

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to test the effects of boiled Anethum Graveolens seeds on pain intensity and duration of labor stages.

METHODS

A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 153 eligible participants who had regular uterine contractions. Participants were allocated to either intervention or control group receiving boiled Anethum Graveolens seeds or routine care, respectively. Preparation of Anethum Graveolens boiled solution was as follows: 10g (two tablespoons) of seed in 100cc water boiled for 10min. After filtration, this solution used by intervention group only once after starting active phase (3-4cm of cervix dilatation). Participants were followed up to the delivery time. Data were analyzed using T, and Chi square tests.

RESULTS

Findings showed that the length of the all stages of labor were significantly lower in intervention compared to control group in except for second stage in primiparous. The second stage of labor in primiparous participants in intervention group was shorter than control group, although the difference is not significant. Moreover, intervention group had a significantly better dilatation and effacement scores after 1, 2, 3 and 4h following the intervention compared to control group.

CONCLUSION

Results supported the boiled Anethum Graveolens seeds as an effective way to progress of the labor.

Effects of Hydro-alcoholic Extract of Anethum Graveolens Seed on Pentylenetetrazol-induced Seizure in Adult Male Mice

INTRODUCTION

Regarding chronic nature of epilepsy and its side effects and to access the effective treatment procedures, herbal medicine has received remarkable interest. The aim of this study was to determine the anticonvulsant effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Anethum graveolens seed on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) -induced seizure in male mice.

METHODS

Fifty-six albino male mice were divided randomly into seven groups including the negative control (saline), positive control (Phenobarbital) and treatment groups using different doses of hydro-alcoholic extract of Anethum graveolens seed (50, 100, 300, 500 and 1000 mg/ kg). To provoke convulsion, PTZ was injected to all groups and initiation time of myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizures as well as surveillance after 24 h were measured.

RESULTS

The results indicated that hydro-alcoholic extract of Anethum graveolens seed (AGS) delayed the initiation time of myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizures in comparison with saline group. The latency was considerable for myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizures at all above mentioned doses of AGS extract except for the lowest one. Moreover, the protective effect of AGS extract against mortality was statistically significant at all doses except for 50 mg/kg.

DISCUSSION

As the hydro-alcoholic extract of AGS showed an appropriate response in experimental model of convulsion, it might be considered as an adjuvant therapy with other traditional antiepileptic medications.

Trends in publication of evidence-based Traditional Iranian medicine in endocrinology and metabolic disorders

Traditional Iranian medicine (TIM) is a main part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The popularity and use of alternative therapies are increasing due to adverse effects and ineffectiveness of pharmacologic treatments in some cases. Herbal medicine is one of the methods of traditional therapy that plays a key role in the treatment of various diseases specifically in diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and obesity that are growing rapidly in the world. In this article, trends of scientific publications of Iranian medicine in endocrinology and metabolic disorders have been investigated. Our data show that the numbers of related researches have uptrend from 2000 till now. These data are valuable to pharmaceutical companies to get the idea to invest and produce effective drugs.