Nigella sativa extract in the treatment of depression and serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels

Investigation of the Immunomodulatory and Neuroprotective Properties of Nigella sativa Oil in Experimental Systemic and Neuroinflammation

Nigella sativa (NS) is a promising medicinal plant with diverse therapeutic properties. This study aimed to investigate the impact of NS oil (NSO) on memory functions in rats with LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-induced neuroinflammation, as well as its effect on serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Male rats were divided into four groups: control, LPS-control, LPS+NSO 3 and 5 mL/kg. Neuroinflammation was induced by a single intraperitoneal LPS injection (2 mg/kg). The novel object recognition test (NORT) and Y-maze were used for the evaluation of memory processes. Recognition index (RI) and % spontaneous alteration (%SA) were registered, respectively. Blood samples for TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, BDNF, and NPY serum levels were taken. Thymoquinone, the active compound of the oil, was detected by high-performance liquid chromatography. NSO administration resulted in an improvement in spatial and episodic memory, as evidenced by increased % SA and RI compared to LPS-control. Treatment with NSO led to a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and NPY, along with an increase in IL-10 and BDNF levels, when compared to LPS-control. In conclusion, NSO enhances BDNF production and regulates pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines release, which probably contributes to the observed cognitive improvement in animals with experimental neuroinflammation.

Effect of ethanol extract of nigella sativa L seeds and propofol on BDNF protein level as neuroplasticity and neuroprotection of traumatic brain injury in rats

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a change in brain function or evidence of brain pathology caused by external mechanical forces. Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a neurotropin that functions as a neuron protective. Nigella sativa L is reported to have an antioxidant effect, administration of Nigella Sativa L to rats treated with ischemia-reperfusion brain injury. Propofol is an anesthetic agent frequently used intravenously in the management of TBI. The effect of propofol on brain tissue after TBI may be neuroprotective. We aimed to compare the potential of Nigella sativa L and propofol as neuroplasticity and neuroprotection in rats with TBI.

Methods

This was a laboratory experimental animal model with the post-test only control group design, namely measuring the effect of treatment by comparing the five groups of rats consisting of 30 rats. BDNF levels in rat brain tissue were collected at day 7 of treatment and measured by ELISA.

Results

The average BDNF protein levels per group, namely G1 (221,243 pg/mL), G2 (172,139 pg/mL), G3 (255,483 pg/mL), G4 (227,089 pg/mL), and G5 (272,603 pg/mL) respectively. Based on the ANOVA statistic, p-value = 0.032 (there was a significant difference between groups), with the Levene Test (0.077) or having variance between the same groups, sequentially the difference in average BDNF protein levels of the five groups is G5>G3>G4>G1>G2, meaning that the combination of Nigella sativa and propofol has more potential to increase BDNF protein levels than Nigella sativa, and Nigella sativa has more potential than propofol.

Conclusion

We concluded that both nigella sativa and propofol have the potential to increase BDNF protein levels. Nigella Sativa L had a better effect than propofol in repairing damaged neuron cells (neuroplasticity) and increasing BDNF protein levels (neuroprotection) for 7 days of administration in rat traumatic brain injury.

Evaluation of the qualitative properties of the oil extracted from the mixture of Helianthus annuus and Nigella sativa seeds during heating

The oil obtained from black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds has many health-effective properties, which is used in food applications and in traditional medicine. One practical method to extract its oil is mixing with other seeds such as sunflower (Helianthus anuus) seeds before oil extraction by press. The effectiveness of the cold-press oil obtained from the mixture of black cumin seeds (BS) and sunflower seeds (SF) in different proportions 100:0, 95:5, 90:10, 85:15 and 0:100 (w/w) was studied to evaluate their qualitative properties including peroxide value (PV), acid value, p-anisidine value (AnV), pigments (carotenoid and chlorophyll) content, polyphenols, and profile of fatty acids during heating process (30-150 min at 180 °C). The results revealed that the acid and p-anisidine value of the all samples enhanced with the extension of the heating time, and the peroxide value increased at the beginning of the heating and then decreased with the prolongation of the heating time (p < .05). With the increase of temperature and heating time, the peroxide of sunflower oil increased with a higher slope and speed than that of black seed and blends oil. Changes in the PV and AnV were the fastest in sunflower oil. Blending and heating caused considerable changes in the fatty acid composition of oils, especially myristic, palmitic, and stearic acids. Moreover, the levels of certain unsaturated fatty acids, namely linoleic, oleic, and linolenic acids declined after heating. The carotenoids, chlorophyll and total phenol content decreased gradually during heating treatments. Among extracted oils, SF:BS (15%) had the good potential for stability, with total phenol content of 95.92 (Caffeic acid equivalents/100 g), PV of 2.16 (meq O2/kg), AV of 2.59 (mg KOH/g oil), and AnV of 8.08 after the heating. In conclusion, oil extracted from the mixture of SF and BS can be used as salad and cooking oils with a high content of bioactive components and positive nutritional properties.

Comparing the effect of fluoxetine, escitalopram, and sertraline, on the level of BDNF and depression in preclinical and clinical studies: a systematic review

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) dysfunction is one of the most important mechanisms underlying depression. It seems that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) improve depression via affecting BDNF level. In this systematic review, for the first time, we aimed to review the effect of three SSRIs including fluoxetine, escitalopram, and sertraline, on both depression and BDNF level in preclinical and clinical studies. PubMed electronic database was searched, and 193 articles were included in this study. After reviewing all manuscripts, only one important difference was found: subjects. We found that SSRIs induce different effects in animals vs. humans. Preclinical studies showed many controversial effects, while human studies showed only two effects: improvement of depression, with or without the improvement of BDNF. However, most studies used chronic SSRIs treatment, while acute SSRIs were not effectively used and evaluated. In conclusion, it seems that SSRIs are reliable antidepressants, and the improvement effect of SSRIs on depression is not dependent to BDNF level (at least in human studies).

Effect of cyclodextrin-complexed lyophilized nanosuspension of Nigella sativa seeds oleoresin on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression in mice

Depression is a prevalent global health concern necessitating alternative approaches to conventional antidepressant medications due to its associated adverse effects. Nigella sativa (NS) is recognized for its potential as an antidepressant, offering a promising solution with fewer side effects. This study investigated the antidepressant efficacy of cyclodextrin-complexed lyophilized nanosuspension of NS oleoresin (NSOR) in a murine model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression. This study sought to evaluate and contrast the antidepressant potential of the nano-NSOR with that of the NS ethanolic extract (NSEE). The prepared nano-NSOR was characterized physicochemically and evaluated for in vitro drug release and in vivo antidepressant activity. The particle size of nano-NSOR was determined to be 164.6 nm. In vitro drug release studies suggested the higher drug release from nano-NSOR (90.15 % after 72 h) compared to the native NSOR (59.55 % after 72 h). Furthermore, nano-NSOR exhibited a more pronounced antidepressant effect than NSEE in the context of CUMS-induced depression. This study highlights a potential alternative for managing depression, addressing the need for improved antidepressant treatments with reduced side effects. These results suggest that nano-NSOR ameliorates CUMS-induced depression by modulating neurotransmitter levels, reducing inflammation, and enhancing neuroprotection.

Investigation the effect of a herbal composition based on blackseed on patients with primary hypothyroidism: A randomized controlled trial

Objective

Hypothyroidism is characterized by insufficient production of thyroxine by the thyroid gland. Levothyroxine may not fully alleviate patients' symptoms. This study aimed to assess the impact of a herbal product on weight, body mass index (BMI), thyroid hormones, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS), depression, and quality-of-life scores in patients.

Materials and Methods

72 patients with primary hypothyroidism, aged between 20 and 65 years old, participated in the trial and they were randomly allocated into two groups. The intervention group received the herbal powder containing Trachyspermum ammi L., Nigella sativa L., and Citrus aurantifolia L. while the control group received Avicel for 8 weeks.

Results

Treatment with the herbal product resulted in statistically significant reductions in anthropometric variables such as BMI (p=0.03), hip circumference (HC) (p=0.008), waist circumference (WC) (p<0.001), and waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR) (p=0.003) in the intervention group in comparison between intervention and control groups. However, the decrease in weight was not statistically significant (p=0.08) in the intervention group compared the control group. In comparison between two groups, the depression score exhibited a statistically significant decrease in the intervention (p=0.001) and control groups (p=0.01), while there was a statistically significant increase in the quality-of-life score only in the intervention group (p<0.001) in comparison between intervention and control groups.

Conclusion

The results indicate the potential beneficial effects of the herbal product on anthropometric variables in patients. Furthermore, the intervention yielded significant improvements in depression symptoms and quality-of-life scores among the patients.

Effect of Silybum Marianum on Reduction of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity with Cisplatin

Background

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) is one of the major complications of chemotherapy regimens commonly used in the treatment of solid and hematologic cancers. Given the high incidence of CIPN in antitumor therapies in patients and limited studies on antioxidants, this study was aimed to investigate the effect of Silybum marianum (SM) on cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Materials and Methods

This double-blind randomized clinical trial study was performed on 60 cancer patients treated with cisplatin chemotherapy at Seyyed-o-Shohada Hospital of Isfahan during 2019-2020. The patients were divided into two parallel groups as intervention (treated by SM) and placebo, and DN4 (Douleur neuropathique 4 questions) and CIPNAT (chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy assessment tool) were completed for patients in the before and after intervention groups and compared between the two groups.

Results

The mean of DN4 score in the before and after study in the intervention group was in 1.76 ± 1.24 and 2.07 ± 2.03, respectively (P = 0.38), and in the control group was 1.41 ± 1.28 ± 3.11 ± 2.86, respectively (P = 0.012). The mean CIPNAT score in the intervention groups was 5.93 ± 3.65 and 4.20 ± 3.23 (P = 0.01), and in the control group was 4.20 ± 4.22 and 4.16 ± 4.03 (P = 0.39).

Conclusion

Based on our data, SM is an effective agent in reducing peripheral neuropathy. The use of SM was associated with decreased scores of peripheral neuropathy and was helpful in patients undergoing chemotherapy with cisplatin.

Chronic Treatment with Nigella sativa Oil Exerts Antimanic Properties and Reduces Brain Inflammation in Rats

Nigella sativa (NS) is a native herb consumed habitually in several countries worldwide, possessing manifold therapeutic properties. Among them, anti-inflammatory features have been reported, presumably relating to mechanisms involved in the nuclear factor kappa-B pathway, among others. Given the observed association between neuroimmune factors and mental illness, the primary aim of the present study was to examine the effects of chronic NS use on manic-like behavior in rats, as well as analyze levels of brain inflammatory mediators following NS intake. Using male and female rats, baseline tests were performed; thereafter, rats were fed either regular food (control) or NS-containing food (treatment) for four weeks. Following intervention, behavioral tests were induced (an open field test, sucrose consumption test, three-chamber sociality test, and amphetamine-induced hyperactivity test). Subsequently, brain samples were extracted, and inflammatory mediators were evaluated, including interleukin-6, leukotriene B4, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nuclear phosphorylated-p65. Our findings show NS to result in a marked antimanic-like effect, in tandem with a positive modulation of select inflammatory mediators among male and female rats. The findings reinforce the proposed therapeutic advantages relating to NS ingestion.

Comparing the "simplified revised Geneva score", the "original PESI", and the "simplified PESI" for mortality prediction for pulmonary embolism. A 10 years follow-up study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this research was to investigate and compare the utilization of the revised Geneva score, original PESI, and simplified PESI in predicting the long-term mortality rate of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE).

METHODS

This retrospective investigation was conducted in Isfahan between June 2014 and July 2015 on patients with PE who were referred to our medical center. In this study, the revised Geneva score, the original PESI scales, and the simplified PESI scales were utilized. Additionally, diagnostic and treatment procedures were done in accordance with the standard protocol. We collected data of patients including gender, age, any risk factors for venous thromboembolism. After the primary data collection, contacts were made to the patients or their relatives for gathering information about patient's survival. The mortality rates of patients were determined within 10 years after the PE.

RESULTS

We analyzed data of 224 patients. Over a 131-month course of following up 224 patients, 105 deaths occurred that were related to PE. The initial PESI factor had a positive and negative predictive value of 83%. Patients with PE who scored extremely high on the PESI had a mortality and morbidity rate 42 times (9.22-87.32) greater than those with PE who scored very low. Furthermore, the death and morbidity rate of high-risk PE patients was 5% (0.67-1.70) in the Geneva score and 62% (0.30-2.31) in the simplified PESI score.

CONCLUSION

The use of original PESI score could predict the long-term mortality of PE patients more accurately than other scores.

Evaluation of sleep quality in faculty members of Isfahan university of medical sciences

BACKGROUND

Sleep disorders can significantly impair the quality of life and daily functions. Evaluating sleep quality can provide valuable information about working conditions. This study aims to evaluate the sleep quality of faculty members at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IUMS).

METHODS

This descriptive-analytic study was conducted from 2020 to 2021, involving 106 faculty members from the medical school. A questionnaire collected demographic information, including age, sex, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), level of education, history of faculty membership, major, working hours during the day and night, residency place, and medical history. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Symptom Checklist-25 (SCL-25) questionnaire were used to assess participants' sleep quality. Data were compared between clinicians and basic science faculty members.

RESULTS

PSQI subtypes were examined among the participants. The total PSQI score was 6.20±3.4. A comparison of PSQI scores and subtypes based on age categories did not show any significant differences (P > 0.05 for all). Clinicians had significantly lower total PSQI scores (P=0.044), sleep latency (P=0.024), sleep disturbances (P=0.012), and daytime dysfunction (P=0.022). Additionally, clinicians had a lower severity of sleep latency (P=0.024), sleep disturbances (P=0.012), and total PSQI score (P=0.044). However, clinicians exhibited a higher intensity of daytime dysfunction (P=0.022).

CONCLUSION

Faculty members exhibited a high prevalence of sleep disorders, with the most common disorders being sleep disturbance and high sleep latency. The prevalence of sleep disorders was higher among basic science faculty members compared to clinicians.

Evaluation of the Relationship between Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A (PAPP-A) and Pregnancy Outcomes

Background

In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the association between pregnancy-related plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) levels measured in the first trimester and pregnancy outcomes.

Materials and Methods

This is a descriptive-analytical study that was performed in 2019--2021 on 1061 pregnant women in their first trimester. Demographic and basic information of all women were collected. These data included age, weight, parity, and date of delivery. Then the quantity of PAPP-A was recorded in three groups including less than 0.5 MOM, 0.5 to 2.5 MOM, and more than 2.5 MOM.

Results

Data of 1061 women were analyzed. 900 women (84.8%) had term delivery and 155 women (14.6%) had pre-term deliveries. PAPP-A levels were normal in 83.4% of women. BMI and number of pregnancies had significant relationships with PAPP-A (p < 0.001, P = 0.03 respectively). The mean BMI in mothers with PAPP-A higher than 2.5 was significantly more than mothers with normal or lower PAPP-A levels (26.2 ± 31, P = 0.04). The frequency of term labor in mothers with normal PAPP-A was higher than other mothers (86.3%, P = 0.04). The frequency of preeclampsia in recent pregnancies in mothers with normal PAPP-A was significantly lower than other mothers (p < 0.001) and the frequency of abortions in recent pregnancies in mothers with PAPP-A less than 0.5 was significantly higher than mothers with normal or elevated PAPP-A (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Mothers with low PAPP-A levels are more likely to have poor pregnancy outcomes such as abortion, pre-term labor, and preeclampsia.

Is depression the missing link between inflammatory mediators and cancer?

Patients with cancer are at greater risk of developing depression in comparison to the general population and this is associated with serious adverse effects, such as poorer quality of life, worse prognosis and higher mortality. Although the relationship between depression and cancer is now well established, a common underlying pathophysiological mechanism between the two conditions is yet to be elucidated. Existing theories of depression, based on monoamine neurotransmitter system dysfunction, are insufficient as explanations of the disorder. Recent advances have implicated neuroinflammatory mechanisms in the etiology of depression and it has been demonstrated that inflammation at a peripheral level may be mirrored centrally in astrocytes and microglia serving to promote chronic levels of inflammation in the brain. Three major routes to depression in cancer in which proinflammatory mediators are implicated, seem likely. Activation of the kynurenine pathway involving cytokines, increases tryptophan catabolism, resulting in diminished levels of serotonin which is widely acknowledged as being the hallmark of depression. It also results in neurotoxic effects on brain regions thought to be involved in the evolution of major depression. Proinflammatory mediators also play a crucial role in impairing regulatory glucocorticoid mediated feedback of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is activated by stress and considered to be involved in both depression and cancer. The third route is via the glutamatergic pathway, whereby glutamate excitotoxicity may lead to depression associated with cancer. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these dysregulated and other newly emerging pathways may provide a rationale for therapeutic targeting, serving to improve the care of cancer patients.

Antidepressive Effect of Natural Products and Their Derivatives Targeting BDNF-TrkB in Gut-Brain Axis

Modern neurological approaches enable detailed studies on the pathophysiology and treatment of depression. An imbalance in the microbiota-gut-brain axis contributes to the pathogenesis of depression. This extensive review aimed to elucidate the antidepressive effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-targeting therapeutic natural products and their derivatives on the gut-brain axis. This information could facilitate the development of novel antidepressant drugs. BDNF is crucial for neuronal genesis, growth, differentiation, survival, plasticity, and synaptic transmission. Signaling via BDNF and its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) plays a vital role in the etiopathogenesis of depression and the therapeutic mechanism of antidepressants. This comprehensive review provides information to researchers and scientists for the identification of novel therapeutic approaches for neuropsychiatric disorders, especially depression and stress. Future research should aim to determine the possible causative role of BDNF-TrkB in the gut-brain axis in depression, which will require further animal and clinical research as well as the development of analytical approaches.

Effect of self-efficacy-based training on metabolic control of patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes is a significant problem in today's society. Considering the possible effect of self-efficacy training on diabetes control, we aimed to investigate its impact on type 2 diabetes control.

METHODS

This randomized controlled clinical trial was performed in 2018 in Isfahan city. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) code for this study is IRCT20190219042762N1 (https://en.irct.ir/trial/37677). In so doing, 161 patients with diabetes were divided into two groups: intervention and control. The intervention group received six self-efficacy and healthy lifestyle training sessions, and self-efficacy strategies were taught in all sessions. Metabolic indices and the data collected by Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale (DMSES) were analyzed before and three months after training by descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULTS

The self-efficacy score of the intervention group was significantly higher after training (175.7±18 vs. 163.7±26, P = 0.001). Also, the cholesterol level, LDL, and systolic blood pressure reduced significantly in this group after the intervention (167±39 vs. 179±43.7 mg/dl, 94.2±31 vs. 102.6±39 mg/dl, 115.6±1.4 vs. 120.1±1.8 mmHg, respectively. P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Generally, self-efficacy training effectively improved metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The association of recurrent aphthous stomatitis with general health and oral health related quality of life among dental students

BACKGROUND

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common oral mucosa diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association of RAS with general health and oral health-related quality of life among dental students of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in 2020.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a researcher-made checklist about the type, size, location, number, and recurrence rate of ulcers, oral health-related quality of life questionnaire (OHIP-14), and a 28-item general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) were completed by 100 dental students.

RESULTS

The proportion of RAS was significantly higher among females than males (61.1 versus 38.9, P=0.03) and was associated with family involvement history (P<0.001) and a Tendency to eat spicy foods (P=0.02). Moreover, the oral health-related quality of life was significantly lower among students with a history of RAS (8.17 ± 8.33 versus 4.22 ± 4.10, P=0.003). The results showed that GHQ-positive status was significantly associated with ulcer size (P=0.01). The general health status was positively correlated with RAS prevalence (p=0.04). Also, an investigation of the OHIP questionnaire showed that there was a significant correlation between physical status (r=0.31, P<0.001), insomnia, and mental status (r=0.33, P<0.001) with OHIP total score.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study confirmed a significant association between aphthous stomatitis and general health and oral health-related quality of life. So possibly improving general health and oral health-related quality of life may be effective in preventing aphthous stomatitis.

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Blood Pressure, Mental Health, and Quality of Life in Hypertensive Adult Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is one of the most important causes of cardiovascular diseases. Patients with hypertension have a lower quality of life. We aimed to evaluate the effects of mindfulness meditation on blood pressure, mental health, and quality of life in patients with hypertension.

METHODS

This randomized clinical trial was performed in 2019 in Isfahan. Eighty adult women with Stage I or II hypertension were included and assigned randomly to 2 groups: 12 weeks of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and routine care. At baseline and 1 week after the end of the intervention, blood pressure, stress, depression, anxiety, and quality of life of the studied participants were measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the independent t-test, the paired t-test, and the MANCOVA test.

RESULTS

After the intervention, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased significantly in the intervention group compared with the baseline (142.82±11.01 mmHg vs 133.7±510.43 mmHg for systolic pressure and 86.12±8.24 mmHg vs 79.15±6.26 mmHg for diastolic pressure) and the control group (140.18±14.27 mmHg vs 142.15±10.23 mmHg for systolic pressure and 84.62±9.22 vs mmHg 88.51±8.54 mmHg for diastolic pressure; P=0.001). There was also a significant increase in quality of life, stress, anxiety, and depression scores in the intervention group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The 12-week MBSR program resulted in a significant reduction in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures and improvement in mental health and different aspects of quality of life.