Hydro-alcoholic extract of Matricaria recutita exhibited dual anti-spasmodic effect via modulation of Ca2+ channels, NO and PKA2-kinase pathway in rabbit jejunum

OBJECTIVE

Several studies have shown the antispasmodic activity of Matricariarecutita without detailing the underlying mechanism(s). The present study was designed to determine whether the antispasmodic mechanisms of M. recutita extract mediated via histaminergic/cholinergic receptors, Ca²⁺channels, activation of PKA₂ and NO release in isolated rabbit jejunum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The concentration- dependent (3 × 10^-3-1.3 × 10^-2 mg/ml) antispasmodic effect of the hydro-alcoholic extract of M. recutita flowers was studied in isolated rabbit jejunum. The isolated jejunum preparations were divided into seven groups, including the pharmacological probes that modulate cholinergic, histaminergic, and nitrergic receptors, as well as PKA₂.

RESULTS

M. recutita inhibited spontaneous smooth muscle contractility of the jejunum in a concentration-dependent manner (3 × 10^-3-1.3 × 10^-2 mg/ml) and reduced both K⁺- and Ca²⁺-induced contractions, which is similar to the effect of verapamil. The antispasmodic effect of M. recutita was inhibited by H89 (a PKA₂ inhibitor). The myorelaxant effect of M. recutita increased in the presence of ACh/His and H89.

CONCLUSION

M. recutita evoked antispasmodic and spasmolytic effects mediated through different signaling pathways. Our results have shown this dual inhibitory effect is mediated by blocking Ca²⁺ channels, activating His and ACh receptors, releasing NO, and activating PKA₂.

Antioxidant activities of Eryngium caucasicum inflorescence

OBJECTIVE

Medicinal plants are good sources for discovery of safe and new antioxidants. The aim of present study was to evaluate the efficiencies of three methods for evaluated for antioxidants from Eryngium caucasicum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ultrasonically assisted extraction, Soxhlet extraction and percolation method were evaluated for the extraction of antioxidants from E. caucasicum inflorescence. Antioxidant activities of extracts were evaluated with four different in vitro tests.

RESULTS

Soxhlet extract had higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents than other extracts. Soxhlet extract showed the highest activity in DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 = 83.1 ± 2.1 µg ml-1). Soxhlet extract showed the best activity in iron chelatory (IC50 = 272 ± 6.3 µg ml-1) followed by ultrasonic extract. Percolation extract showed higher NO radical scavenging (IC50 = 390 ± 11.4 µg ml-1) than other extracts. Extracts showed good reducing power (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained indicated that all three extraction methods especially Soxhlet method could effectively extract antioxidants from this plant.

Induction of apoptosis and G2 /M cell cycle arrest by Scrophularia striata in a human leukaemia cell line

OBJECTIVES

Scrophularia striata Boiss (Scrophulariaceae) is a plant that grows in northeastern Iran; it has been used traditionally to treat various inflammatory disorders. This study was designed to investigate cytotoxic effects of S. striata extract, on the Jurkat human leukaemia cell line (T-cell leukaemia).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phytochemical assay by thin layer chromatography and 2, 2 diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl were used to evaluate main compounds and antioxidant capacity of the plant extract, respectively. Its inhibitory effect on Jurkat cells was evaluated by MTT assay. In addition, cell cycle distribution and apoptotic cell death were evaluated by propidium iodide and annexin V-FITC/ propidium iodide staining.

RESULTS

These showed that the main components present in S. striata extract included flavonoids, phenolic compounds and phenyl propanoids. Treatment with extract was significantly cytotoxic to the tumour cell line. In addition, flow cytometry analysis indicated that S. striata extract induced cell cycle arrest in G2 /M phase and apoptosis of tumour cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of the study indicated that S. striata extract could inhibit leukaemia cell proliferation by inducing G2 /M phase arrest and apoptosis.

Evaluation of the level of house dust mite allergens, Der p 1 and Der f 1 in Iranian homes, a nationwide study

BACKGROUND

Exposure to house dust mites (HDMs) is a major risk factor for the development of allergic symptoms. HDMs are worldwide in distribution. Assessing these allergens in each area is a critical step in evaluating the risk of sensitisation and controlling allergic symptoms. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the level of major HDMs, Der p 1 and Der f 1, in various parts of Iran.

METHODS

In 2009, 257 dust samples were obtained from living rooms' carpets in seven cities throughout Iran with different geoclimatic conditions. The level of Der p 1 and Der f 1 was measured by commercial ELISA.

RESULTS

Detectable level of Der p 1 and Der f 1 levels were only found in Gorgan and Sari, two cities near the Caspian Sea with moderate temperatures and high relative humidity. In both of these cities, Der f 1 was more frequent than Der p 1 (100% vs. 85%) and was found to be at a higher level than Der p 1 (geometric mean 3128 vs. 439ng/g dust, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study confirm that house dust mites in Iran are restricted to the Caspian Sea coastal areas, and in other parts, due to seasonal variations of temperature and humidity mites are not able to grow well and therefore are not an important risk factor for sensitisation and respiratory allergies.