Protective effects of Allium jesdianum essential oil on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to sub-lethal toxicity of cypermethrin

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Allium jesdianum essential oil (AJEO) in decreasing cypermethrin toxicity for rainbow trout. First, the safety of the 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% AJEO supplements was assayed after 60 days. Then, the protective effects of AJEO were studied on fish exposed to 12.5% 96h LC50 cypermethrin after 14 days. Results showed that 1 and 1.5% AJEO administration enhanced protease and lipase activities in the intestine and improved growth performance. Moreover, feeding fish with 1 and 1.5% AJEO increased catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase activities (SOD) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA). Also, AJEO increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in serum. However, exposure to cypermethrin significantly decreased these enzyme activities and increased MDA. The oxidative biomarkers remained normal in fish fed with AJEO after exposure to cypermethrin. The administration of 1 and 1.5% AJEO significantly decreased cortisol and glucose levels, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities. Although exposure to cypermethrin significantly increased these biochemical biomarkers, AJEO could adjust them. A significant effect of 1% AJEO on total protein and globulin was observed before and after exposure to cypermethrin. Exposure to cypermethrin decreased all immunological parameters in the serum and mucus. However, administration of 1% AJEO increased protease, lysozyme (LYS) activities, total immunoglobulin (Ig), complement C3 and C4, and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) in the serum and ALP, LYS, protease activities and Ig in mucus. In conclusion, results showed that AJEO could potentially decrease the toxicity effects of cypermethrin in fish.

Preparing and evaluating the anti-microbial effect of Allium jesdianum mouthwash on some of the most common oral microorganisms

Background

Due to the increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and anti-bacterial compounds in plants, Allium jesdianum Boiss plant extract can be used in mouthwash compounds with its anti-microbial activity.

Methods and Materials

The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activity of A. jesdianum mouthwash was investigated on Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, S. salivarius and Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis. To analyse the anti-microbial effect of this mouthwash, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by the broth microdilution method.

Results

The average MIC and MBC of A. jesdianum mouthwash for S. mutans were 1.56 and 3.12 (mg/ml), respectively, for S. salivarius, 0.25 and 0.65 (mg/ml), and for S. sanguis, respectively, 0.25 and 0.65 (mg/ml). The highest MIC and MBC values were for S. mutans, and the MIC and MBC values were equal for S. sanguis and S. salivarius. Average MIC and MBC were determined as 2.41 and 4.16 (mg/ml) for C. albicans and 2.34 and 5.72 (mg/ml) for C. tropicalis, respectively. MIC values of mouthwash were higher for C. albicans and MBC values for C. tropicalis.

Conclusion

Our results showed a promising anti-fungal-anti-bacterial effect of A. jesdianum extract. A. jesdianum extract may be used as an alternative to chemical mouthwashes.

Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Endemic Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Iran: Implications for Conservation and Habitat Management

Iran, with its unique climatic and topographic conditions, is home to about 8200 species of vascular plants. Approximately 2300 of the 8200 species are popularly characterized as medicinal or aromatic. Here, we compile information about the endemic medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) of Iran and map their distributions. Our survey found 180 endemic species of MAPs, belonging to 10 families and 30 genera. The majority of species are found in Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, and Apiaceae, with 86, 30, and 18 species, respectively. Approximately 70% of these plants have been recorded in the 10 provinces of Esfahan, Kerman, Fars, Tehran, Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari, East Azarbaijan, Lorestan, West Azarbaijan, Hamadan, and Mazandaran. These provinces are located in the Iran-o-Turanian region, one of the three major phytogeographic regions in Iran, which covers five areas of endemism (i.e., Azarbaijan, Zagros, Kopet Dagh-Khorassan, Alborz, and Central Alborz). So, Iran-o-Turanian region is the main center of diversity for the Iranian endemic MAPs. The north, center and western parts of Iran are rich in MAPs and could be considered as the dominant biodiversity hotspots of Iran more seemingly due to the diverse climatic and geographic assortment which generates the highest frequency and distribution of MAPs. Many of these MAPs are at the edge of extinction due to the unwise, unscientific harvesting and/or global climate change. Therefore, there is an urgent need to conserve and propagate some of these important MAPs to save them from extinction and also to ensure the availability of raw materials for their use and future research into their efficacy. Furthermore, identifying the areas of endemism (AEs) is an essential part of ongoing regional conservation management programs in Iran and worldwide.

Radioprotective Effects of Allium jesdianum Extract on Reduction of Pancrease Damages Following γ-Radiation through Down-regulation of Apoptotic Genes, Antioxidants Regulation, and Suppression of Inflammatory Markers

Background: Allium jesdianum (AJ), as a plant in onion category, has antioxidant features. Moreover, γ-ray potentially generates oxidative stress in living organisms. Objectives: In this study, the probable therapeutic effects of AJ on destruction of pancreas tissue following γ-ray were evaluated. Methods: Sixty-four mature NMRI mice (8 animals in each group) were assigned to eight groups as follows: (1) Control; (2) γ-ray (dose rate of 1 Gy/min); (3-5) AJ extract (500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg); and (6-8) AJ + γ-ray. AJ extract was prepared, and all administrations were applied orally for 70 consecutive days. Antioxidant parameters (nitrite oxide, peroxidation, and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP)), the expression of apoptotic genes (p53 and Bax, by quantitative real-time PCR), and blood concentrations of glucose and insulin were determined biochemically and genetically. Inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by ELISA technique. The number and diameter of Langerhan islets were also studied histologically. Results: In this study, γ-ray increased the levels of all parameters significantly (except for FRAP, insulin, and morphometric parameters, which were reduced) in the γ-ray group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In the γ-ray and AJ + γ-ray groups, all factors were reduced significantly (except for FRAP, insulin, and morphometric parameters, which were increased) compared to the γ-ray group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Administration of AJ extract can decrease the damage and radiosensitization in pancreatic cells induced by γ-ray.