Asafetida (Ferula asafoetida) and Its Potential Risks on Respiratory Disorders

Abstract:

Ferula asafoetida is an endemic species in Iran and is rich in oleo-gum resin with high economic value in the world. One important application of F. assafoetida is its traditional use for the management of respiratory ailments. The aim of this review was to collect papers dealing with F. asafoetida oleo-gum resin in respiratory tract’s diseases in modern medicine. For preparing the manuscript the scientific databases (Google scholar, PubMed, Springer, Science Direct, Magiran), books, thesis, etc. were searched using the keywords of “Ferula asafoetida”, “Ferula scorodesma”, “Scorodesma foetida”, “Northex asafoetida” plus “respiratory tract”, "respiratory disorder" “infection”, “cough”, “trachea”, “traditional medicine” up to Feb 2022 and the collected data were summarized, analyzed, and discussed. The results of the investigation confirmed the traditional belief on the efficacy of Ferula asafoetida in the treatment of respiratory viral infection (Coronavirus, influenza), cigarette smoking, asthma, cough and cancer, but most studies were limited to in vitro. There was only one registered randomized, blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial for 300 mg F. asafoetida aqueous extract capsules (three times a day for 14 days) on 40 patients with COVID-19 without any published results. Although, the studies implied the efficacy of F. asafoetida in the treatment of respiratory treatments, but design large clinical studies for evaluating its efficacy and safety is essential in future investigations.

Sambucus nigra (black elder) as alternative treatment for cold and flu

Common cold and flu are caused by common respiratory viral pathogens, which results in hospitalization and death in the world. Among the viral infections, influenza viruses have worldwide spread with major effects on health of societies. Change in antigenic structures of influenza viruses is associated with the lack of effective treatments. Therefore, the use of herbal medicine as alternative choice can be used for management of flu and cold. The flowers of Sambucus nigra or black elders have been approved by commission E for cold, and flu. Although, elders are used in different herbal formulates, but there is no comprehensive study. The subject of this review article was to summarize the efficacy of black elder in treatment of cold and flu. For preparing this manuscript, the electronic resources, books, and thesis were searched by key words of Sambucus, elder, cold, flu, and viral infections. The results of investigations exhibited that there are four clinical trials for elder berries, which it reduced the cold duration and severity (fever, pain, congestion, cough), while there is no clinical trial for elder flower on common cold and flu in spite of its approval by commission E. So, evaluating the efficacy of elder flowers in comparison with its berries and standard treatment on patients with viral respiratory infections should be the subject of large clinical studies.

The Chemical Composition and Anti-mycobacterial Activities of Trachyspermum copticum and Pelargonium graveolens Essential Oils

BACKGROUND

Microbial resistance to antibiotics and their adverse effects related to these antibiotics are a matter of global public health in the 21th century. The emergence of drug-resistant strains, has gained the interest of the scientists to discover new antimicrobial agents from the essential oil of medicinal plants.

METHODS

Anti-mycobacterial effects of Trachyspermum copticum and Pelargonium graveolens essential oils were determined against multi-drug resistant clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium fortuitum and standard strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv by a Broth micro-dilution method. Pelargonium graveolens plant named Narmada was discovered by Kulkarni R.N et al. (Patent ID, USPP12425P2) and a formulation comprising thymol obtained from Trachyspermum is useful in the treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infections (Patent ID, US6824795B2). The chemical composition of hydro-distilled essential oils was determined by GC and GC-MS.

RESULTS

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for T. copticum essential oil against tested isolates were ranged from 19.5 µg/mL to 78 µg/mL. The least minimum inhibitory concentration of P. graveolens extract against M. Kansasii and MDR-TB was 78 µg/ml.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present research introduced T. copticum and P. graveolens essential oils as a remarkable natural anti-mycobacterial agent, but more pharmacological studies are required to evaluate their efficacy in animal models.

Therapeutic and Health Benefits of Rose Fixed Oil (Rowghan-E-Gol)

Rose oil (Rowghan-E-Gol) is valuable fixed oil from macerating or boiling Rosa damascena petals in olive or sesame oils. There is difference between the rose oil and rose essential oil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic applications of rose oil in modern and traditional medicines. The information of this article was extracted from books (traditional and modern ones) and electronic resources. The results showed that there are four methods for extracting the rose oil, but macerating the fresh rose petals in sesame oil is resulted to higher quality oil. Traditionally, rose oil is used orally or topically in management of ailments with pain and inflammatory conditions such as hemorrhoid, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), earache, gastro-esophageal reflux diseases. In modern medicine, there are two clinical trials (topical oil) and one case report study (oral oil), which confirmed the efficacy of rose oil in backache of pregnancy, migraine headache and gastritis. Therefore, evaluating the potential of rose oil in treatment of hemorrhoid, IBD and gastrointestinal tract diseases should be performed in large clinical studies.

Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis L.) and Its Potency in the Treatment of Cough

Althaea officinalis has been traditionally used for management of cough and other respiratory problems. The aim of this review article was to evaluate its efficacy in modern research according to its traditional beliefs. All information was extracted from scientific resources of PubMed Central, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Springer, SID, accessible books, reports, and theses. The results of animal and clinical studies confirmed the efficacy of A. officinalis extracts alone in treatment of dry cough, while combination of A. officinalis with Zataria multiflora, Zingiber officinalis, or Helix hedera increased the efficacy of A. officinalis and improved all kinds of cough. Different mechanisms are involved in expectorant and antitussive effects of A. officinalis in treatment of cough. Therefore, A. officinalis in combination with other plant extracts in different forms of drug could be a good choice for cough, sore throat, and other respiratory ailments.

Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) Oil in Management of Female Ailments

Oenothera biennis with the common name of “evening primrose” is containing a valuable fixed oil with commercial name of EPO. Evening primrose oil has two types of omega-6-fatty acid including linoleic acid (60%–80%) and γ-linoleic acid (8%–14%). Essential fatty acids are considered as essential compounds for body health, especially among women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of evening primrose oil in the management of women ailments. The document was prepared by investigation in scientific articles of electronic resources (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, Scopus, and Springer) by keywords of evening primrose oil and women. The results of our investigations showed that evening primrose oil has been the subject of several clinical studies, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hot flash, mastalgia, fibroadenomas, gestational diabetes, cervical ripening, and dilation. The major clinical studies are focused on mastalgia, followed by PMS. The results of studies confirmed the evening primrose oil's efficacy in women health, but the immediate response should not be expected from it, therefore, it should be regularly used up to 4 or 6 months.

Morus alba (mulberry), a natural potent compound in management of obesity

Obesity is defined as body mass index, higher than 30 kg/m², which are associated with diverse diseases including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary diseases, certain cancers, osteoarthritis and dyslipidemia. The subject of this review article was to evaluate the potency of Morus alba or "mulberry" as natural potent anti-obesity agent in management of obesity. For writing this manuscript, we searched in all accessible international databases, electronic resources (PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, Wiley and Google), unpublished data (R&D reports, thesis and dissertation). The inhibitory effects of mulberry on digestive enzymes and adipocyte differentiation, and its stimulatory effects on energy expenditures, and lipid metabolism are responsible mechanisms for management of obesity in obese patients. Furthermore, the results of these preclinical studies and its related mechanisms should be evaluated in large clinical trials.

Foeniculum vulgare as Valuable Plant in Management of Women's Health

This review paper evaluates use of Foeniculum vulgare extracts as a popular female plant in management of different ailments of women. Information in this paper was gathered from accessible sources (PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, Wiley, and Google), and traditional books (Persian or English modern traditional books), unpublished data (R&D reports, thesis and dissertation) by keywords based on the words F. vulgare or fennel and women. Efficacy of oral fennel oil in management of dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, amenorrhea, menopause, lactation, and polycystic ovary syndrome were confirmed according to results of clinical studies. Results of clinical efficacy of fennel oil on menstrual bleeding is complicated, but results of one meta-analysis study revealed that fennel oil significantly increased means of bleeding in the first menstrual periodic cycle (P = 0.001), while fennel oil had no significant effect on bleeding in the second menstrual cycle (P = 0.67). Topical and vaginal fennel extract (5%) exhibited good efficacy in treatment of sexual function, vaginal atrophy, and hirsutism. Fennel had no effect on bone density, or body mass index of menopause women. Results of clinical studies introduce fennel as a valuable medicinal plant in management of women's ailments, but understanding the mechanism of action could be the subject of future studies.

Antifungal effects of Ziziphora tenuior, Lavandula angustifolia, Cuminum cyminum essential oils against clinical isolates of Candida albicans from women suffering from vulvovaginal candidiasis

Candida sp. especially C. albicans is the main cause of candidiasis in women in reproductive ages. The prevalence of drug resistant C. albicans along with adverse effects of current treatments have encouraged the scientists to research on medicinal plant’s essential oils. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of Ziziphora tenuior, Lavandula angustifolia, Cuminum cyminum essential oils against clinical isolates of C. albicans, which were isolated from women with vulvovaginal candidiasis. The anti-candidal effects of these commercial essential oils were screened against these clinical isolates (n=80) by disc diffusion and micro-broth dilution assays. The means of inhibition zone diameters, MIC and MFCs were reported for each essential oil. Also, the capability of fungal strain for biofilm formation in comparison with C. albicans ATCC 10231 were determined. The anti-biofilm effects of essential oils against 11 biofilm producing strains of C. albicans were determined. The results showed C. cyminum and Z. tenuior essential oils had the best anti-candidal effects, while the best biofilm killing effects was for L. angustifolia essential oil. C. cyminum and Z. tenuior essential oils can be formulated for more evaluations in preclinical and clinical studies.

Caraway as Important Medicinal Plants in Management of Diseases

Carum carvi or caraway is traditionally used for treatment of indigestion, pneumonia, and as appetizer, galactagogue, and carminative. Essential oil, fixed oil and many other valuable extractive compounds with industrial applications are prepared from caraway. This review article has new deep research on caraway as medicinal plant. For preparing the manuscript, the information was extracted from accessible international databases (Google scholar, PubMed, Science direct, Springer, and Wiley), electronic resources and traditional books by key word of caraway or Carum carvi. The results of traditional studies exhibited that the galactagogue and carminative effects of caraway fruits are superior to other effects. Although, the traditional scholars used it as appetizer, while caraway was the main ingredient of anti-obesity drugs in traditional medicine, which has been confirmed in two modern clinical trials of human studies. Caraway oil in combination with peppermint oil or menthol is used for treatment of functional dyspepsia in clinical studies. Caraway oil topically on abdomen relieves the IBS symptoms in patient. Although, the use of caraway oil is not recommended in adults under 18 years due to insufficient data, but it can topically use as anti-colic and carminative agent in children or infants. The anti-aflatoxigenic, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of caraway oil along with its reputation as spice help the industries to use it as natural preservatives and antioxidant agents.

Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad essential oil and its anti-candidal activities against clinical isolates of Candida albicans isolated from women with candidiasis

Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad is known as antiseptic and analgesic agent in folk medicine. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the anti-candidal activity of S. khuzistanica aerial parts essential oil against clinical isolates of Candida albicans, which were isolated from women with chronic recurrent candidiasis. For this purpose, the chemical composition of hydro-distilled essential oil was determined by GC and GC-MS analysis. Then, the anti-candidal activity of essential oil and its main component (carvacrol) were determined. Carvacrol (94.1%) was the main component of essential oil, followed by β-bisabolene, p-cymene and γ-terpinene. S. khuzistanica essential oil had strong anti-candidal activity against clinical isolates of C. albicans via inhibition of germ tube formation and induction the huge punctures in the cytoplasmic structures. The cell membranes were intact in presence of essential oil or carvacrol. S. khuzistanica essential oil as the main source of carvacrol can be used for treatment of C. albicans related infections.

Nigella sativa fixed oil as alternative treatment in management of pain in arthritis rheumatoid

BACKGROUND

N. sativa seeds is the source of fixed oil, which contain fatty acids and thymoquinone. N. sativa fixed oil topically or orally is used traditionally for management of pain in back, joints, musculoskeletal organs and arthritis rheumatoid.

PURPOSE

The aim of this review article was to evaluate the potential effects of N. sativa fixed oil in pain and inflammation, especially in arthritis rheumatoid.

METHODS

All information was extracted from accessible and inaccessible sources (books, electronic sources, thesis and etc.).

RESULTS

The results of our investigation showed N. sativa fixed oil, especially thymoquinone content had valuable anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects via different pathways. The efficacy of thymoquinone as potential treatment was confirmed in different animal model of arthritis and the clinical studies confirmed the oral (n = 4) and topical use (n = 1) of N. sativa fixed oil without adverse effects in patients suffering from arthritis rheumatoid.

CONCLUSION

The larger multicenter clinical trials for comparing the efficacy of topical, oral administrations and current treatment may help to understand better the efficacy of valuable fixed oil.

Natural therapeutic approach of Nigella sativa (Black seed) fixed oil in management of Sinusitis

Sinusitis is associated with inflammation and infections of air-filled cavities of sinuses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential efficacy of Nigella sativa seed fixed oil in management of sinusitis. The information was extracted from accessible international databases, traditional books, electronic resources, and unpublished data.

RESULTS

The results of investigations on N. sativa seed fixed oil showed its therapeutic potential in treatment of sinusitis by its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihistaminic, immune-modulator, antimicrobial and analgesic effects. The use of N. sativa seed fixed oil can inhibit the inflammation of sinuses and respiratory airways, microbial infections and finally help the patients suffering from clinical symptoms of sinusitis such as coryza, nasal congestion, headache, neck pain, earache and toothache. Clinical studies are required to evaluate its efficacy in patients with sinusitis in future.

Therapeutic Potential of Zataria multiflora Boiss in Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel syndrome (IBS), the most common chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder, is categorized as IBS-C and IBS-D, which are equivalent to Ghoolenj Rihi and Maghs Rihi in Iranian traditional medicine. One of the main applications of Zataria multiflora Boiss in traditional medicine is its efficacy in the gastrointestinal tract with symptoms such as IBS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Zataria multiflora essential oil in management of IBS. We used all the accessible references (electronic and published books, theses, and reports) to write this article. The results of our investigation show that the majority of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses exhibited carvacrol and thymol as the main components of Zataria multiflora essential oil, and 60 drops oral daily dose of Z. multiflora essential oil (2%) can relieve the symptoms of IBS without any adverse effects. The pharmacological studies confirmed the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasm and antiulcer effects of Z. multiflora essential oils and main components. According to the results of studies, oral Z. multiflora essential oil (2%) is a good candidate for management of IBS, but more studies are required to better understand its efficacies.

The Wound Healing Effects of Herbal Cream Containing Oliveria Decumbens and Pelargonium Graveolens Essential Oils in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Model

BACKGROUND

The number of diabetic patients in adult population is increasing. All this population are at risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) that are associated with unwanted ailments and high mortality. In spite of current therapies for DFUs, further therapies are needed to help the patients.

METHODS

The efficacy of herbal cream containing Pelargonium graveolens and Oliveria decombens essential oils was evaluated topically for treatment of DFUs in rat animal model in comparison with two other herbal formulas containing each essential oil alone, placebo (the basic formula without active ingredients) and normal saline as control groups. After anesthesia of diabetic rats (n=75) induced by streptozotocin (STZ), diabetic wounds were visible on the hind dorsal surface of the foot. The treatments were initiated on Day 1 and repeated 3 times a day for thirteen consecutive days. On day 1, 3, 5, 8 and 13, the wound sizes were determined and assessed histologically.

RESULTS

Three herbal formulations reduced the size of wounds in rats with DFUs, while the cream containing combined herbals of O. decumbens and P. graveolens essential oils had the highest tissue repair in DFU rat models.

CONCLUSION

Due to better wound healing effects of combined herbal cream containing O. decumbens and P. graveolens essential oils, it can be recommended in treatment of DFUs.

The effect of tablet containing Boswellia serrata and Melisa officinalis extract on older adults' memory: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Memory deficits and age-related memory loss are currently two significant concerns in older adults. In Iranian herbal medicine, there are some prescriptions for memory improvement.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate the effect of tablet containing Boswellia serrata (BS) extract and Mellisa officinalis (MO) extract on memory of the older adults.

METHOD

This is a randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that performed among 70 older adults who referred to healthcare centers of Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either tablets (n = 35) or placebo (n = 35) for a month (n = 30). Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R). Data were analyzed using Chi-square, independent-samples t-tests, paired t-test, repeated measure ANOVA, and ANCOVA using SPSS v13.

RESULT

Participants' baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. The study was completed by 53 participants. However, as the analysis was based on an intention-to treat approach, all 70 older adults were included in the final analysis. Comparison of the two groups with showed that the total scores of the WMS-R and the subscales, including auditory immediate, immediate memory, visual immediate and working memory, were increased after consumption of the containing BS and MO tablets (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The BS and MO tablet in older adults can be beneficial on improvement of memory. This is still necessary to investigate effects and durability of the tablets on older adults with memory impairments in future studies.

Antibacterial activity of Zataria multiflora essential oil and its main components against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Introduction: In Iranian traditional medicine, Zataria multiflora Boiss (Lamiaceae family) is reputed due to its antiseptic effects. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and biofilm killing effects of Z. multiflora essential oil and main components against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: The main components of essential oil were identified by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antibacterial properties of Z. multiflora oil and main components were determined by assessing the MIC and MBC values, and their inhibition percent of biofilm killing effects were determined by the evaluation of optical density. The role of each main component in these activities was determined according to the chemical profiles of essential oil. Results: Thymol (38.7%), carvacrol (30.6%), and p-cymene (8.3%) were main components of twenty five components of essential oil. Carvacrol had the higher role in antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa, followed by thymol. P-cymene enhanced the antibacterial activities of thymol and carvacrol against P. aeruginosa. Carvacrol showed the weak role in biofilm killing effect. In spite of the low antibacterial activity of p-cymene against P. aeruginosa, it can enhance the antibacterial activity of thymol or carvacrol. Conclusion: Z. multiflora essential oil can be used for the management of P. aeruginosa infections. Determining the precise role of each components needs investigating in their behavior in different media.

The anti-candidal activity of Pelargonium graveolens essential oils against clinical isolates of Candida albicans

Objectives: Candida albicans as important opportunistic dimorphic fungi can cause the life threatening infections in humans. In this study, we evaluated the anticandidal activities of six samples of Pelargonium graveolens essential oils against 31 clinical isolates of C. albicans. Materials and methods: The anti-candidal activity was performed by disc diffusion and micro-broth dilution assays. The chemical compositions of essential oils were analyzed by Gas Chromatography (GC) apparatus. Results: P. graveolens essential oil samples with citronellol (7.7-43.7%) and geraniol (19.3-48.5%) showed the same anti-candidal activity in two different methods. There is no significant difference between the inhibition zone diameters (19.3-24.1 mm), and the MIC and MFC values (1.06-1.48 and 1.5-1.72 μl/ml) of essential oil samples with different percent of citronellol and geraniol. Conclusion: Therefore, P. graveolens essential oils can be used as anti-candidal agent for further studies.

IRANIAN PROPOLIS ETHANOL EXTRACT AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS INFECTION IN WOUND MICE MODEL

Propolis as a honeybee's product is famous for its biological and pharmacological effects. The subject of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of the Iranian propolis ethanol extract against different kinds of microorganisms by disc diffusion method and microbroth dilution assay. Due to the high antimicrobial effect of propolis extract, the efficacy of topical propolis cream was compared with mupirocin against Staphylococcus aureus wound infection model in mice. The in-vitro antimicrobial evaluations showed the more sensitivity of Gram positive bacteria to propolis ethanol extract, followed by yeast. In wound infection model, propolis cream significantly reduced the log CFU of S.aureus,compared to placebo cream (p

Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Echinophora platyloba essential oil

Objetivo: Echinophora platyloba se utiliza tradicionalmente como agente antimicrobiano con el fin de preservar los productos caseros de deterioro. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la composición química del aceite esencial, actividad antimicrobiana y antioxidante del aceite esencial de E. platyloba de la provincia de Shahr-e-Kord.Materiales y métodos: la composición química del aceite esencial de E. platyloba mediante técnicas de GC-MS y GC y evaluar su efecto antibacteriano frente a Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica y Helicobacter pylori por ensayos de difusión en disco y de micro dilución en caldo. La actividad antioxidante del aceite esencial de E. platyloba se evaluó por los radicales ABST. β-ocimeno y α-cariofileno eran los componentes principales del aceite esencial de E. platyloba. El aceite esencial mostró la actividad antibacteriana prometido contra S. aureus, seguido de S. enterica y  H. pylori. El aceite esencial presenta actividad antioxidante del aceite esencial mostró la IC de 0. 32 mg/ml que fue mayor que la IC50 de ácido ascórbico (0.20 mg/ml).En conclusión: Aceite esencial de E. platyloba ha se recomienda ß-ocimeno y quimiotipo α-cariofileno y su uso como agentes antioxidantes y antibacterianas como sus usos tradicionales.

Artemisia sieberi Besser essential oil and treatment of fungal infections

A. sieberi essential oil has been used for treatment of hardly curable infectious ulcers in Middle East Medicine and has been famous due to its wormicide effects. In this review, we evaluated the potency of A. sieberi essential oil in treatment of fungal infections. We searched in PubMed Central, Science direct, Wiley, Springer, SID, and accessible books, reports, thesis. There is a lot of mixed information on chemical compositions of A. sieberi essential oil, but most articles reported α, β-thujones as the main components of essential oils. In vitro studies confirmed the antifungal activity of A. sieberi essential oil against saprophytes fungi, dermatophytes, Malassezia sp. and Candida sp. and these results were confirmed in six clinical studies. The clinical studies confirmed the superiority of A. sieberi essential oil (5%) lotion in improvement of clinical signs of fungal superficial diseases, and mycological laboratory examinations of dermatophytosis and pityriasis versicolor diseases than clotrimazole (1%) topical treatment. The recurrence rate of superficial fungal infections with dermatophytosis and pityriasis versicolor was statistically lower in A. sieberi essential oil (5%) lotion than clotrimazole. There are no adverse effects due to the application of A. sieberi essential oil in clinical studies. Despite, the efficacy of A. sieberi essential oil against Candida sp., there is no clinical study about their related infections. Investigation about the effects of A. sieberi essential oil on fungal virulence factors in order to identifying the exact mechanism of antifungal activity and clinical trials on Candida related diseases are recommended.

The role of outer inflammatory protein A (OipA) in vaccination of theC57BL/6 mouse model infected by Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND/AIM

Outer inflammatory protein A (OipA) is an important adhesin of Helicobacter pylori. Our goal was to assess the role of OipA in protection of C57BL/6 mice against H. pylori.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C57BL/6 mice were mucosally immunized with recombinant OipA protein, OipA + propolis, propolis, and phosphate-buffered saline. After vaccination, anti-OipA IgA was measured. Mice were challenged three times with 5 × 10⁷ CFU of the H. pylori B19 strain. Two weeks later, bacterial colonization and inflammation in the stomach was analyzed using standard methods.

RESULTS

The CFU number in the OipA group was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of the control. The CFU number in the OipA + propolis group was higher than those of the OipA and propolis groups. IgA titers were significantly higher (P 6lt; 0.0001) in the OipA group compared to the control and OipA + propolis groups. Propolis did not play an adjuvant effect but it interfered with the efficient vaccine effect of OipA.

CONCLUSION

Results show the effect of vaccination by OipA in protection of the mouse model and the importance of OipA in H. pylori pathogenesis. OipA may be proposed as a suitable oral vaccine candidate against H. pylori infection; however, further study is required to determine adjuvant or adverse effects of propolis toward OipA.

The antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Muscari neglectum flower ethanol extract

Introduction: Muscari neglectum has been used as food in some countries.

Objective: The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of M. neglectum were the subject of the study.

Methods: In this study, the total phenolic, flavonoid, monomeric anthocyanin contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of M. neglectum flowers ethanol extract were determined by different methods against some food poisoning microorganisms.

Results: Total phenolic, flavonoids and anthocyanin contents of the extract were 18.2, 0.94 and 0.11%, respectively. The IC50 for M. neglectum was higher than that of BHT. M. neglectum extract showed no inhibition zone (IZ) against Staphylococcus aureus and had small IZ against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Shigella flexneri and Escherichia coli had the higher IZ than the others. The lower MIC and MLC values were for C. albicans, followed by Sh. flexneri and E. coli. S. aureus had the higher MIC and MLC values than the others.

Conclusion: Therefore, the M. neglectum flower extract can be used as a natural preservative and coloring agent in foods as replacement of synthetic ones.

Myrtus communis L. and its application in treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In Iranian Traditional Medicine, M. communis is a famous plant in treatment of oral ulcers and "Gholaa"- the ancient name of aphthous.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to create a bridge between the traditional claims about the application of M. communis in treatment of "Gholaa" and its prescription for aphthous, the current form of "Gholaa" in modern medicine METHODS: We extracted the information about the application of M. communis in treatment of aphthous from different resources including Google scholar, Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Springer, ethnobotanical, the traditional books from Traditional Medicine Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

RESULTS

In Iranian traditional texts, "Gholaa" was the corrosive diseases on the surface and inner layer of mouth and tongue and divided into three types of bloody, phlegmatic and burned black bile types. Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) is equal to the black bile and phlegmatic types and minor aphthous type can be matched with phlegmatic type. The corrosive propagated lesions can be herpetic aphthous. In modern medicine, M. communis essential oil and its decoction decreased the average time of pain relief and decreased the size of ulcers in patients with minor RAS without any adverse effects. The number of ulcers was not the subjects of any different clinical trials. All patients were satisfied with M. communis topical essential oil (5%), and 81% patients were satisfied with M. communis topical decoctions (5%). It appears the efficacy of M. communis is related to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and wound healing effects.

CONCLUSION

M. communis is effective in minor RAS as its traditional claims and confirming its efficacy in major and herpetiform RAS and comparing the efficacy of its decoction topical formulations or essential oil topical ones are required more and larger experimental and clinical investigations in future.

THE ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENCIES OF SATUREJA KHUZISTANICA ESSENTIAL OIL FOR PRESERVING OF VEGETABLE OILS

In recent years, the use of natural preservatives for protection of vegetable oils against microbial and chemical deterioration is one of the interesting issues. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preservative activity of Satureja khuzistanica essential oil (SKEO) against microbial and chemical deterioration in sesame and flaxseed vegetable oils. Chemical composition of SKEO, chemical profiles, antioxidant and preservative potencies of inoculated vegetable oils with different concentration of SKEO were determined. Carvacrol was the main component of SKEO. The chemical profile of vegetable oils in presence of SKEO had no changes. Sesame and flaxseed vegetable oils had the IC50 equal to 26 and 22 µg/ml, respectively. Inoculation the SKEO (1%v/v) in vegetable oils decreased the IC50 for vegetable oils. SKEO showed promised antimicrobial activity against food microorganisms. Inoculation the SKEO (0.75%v/v) in sesame oil inhibited completely the bacteria and fungi after 14 days. Flaxseed oil inoculated with SKEO (1% v/v and lower concentrations) decreased the bacteria and fungi populations after 28 days. Therefore, the use of SKEO as natural preservative can protect vegetable oils from deterioration; also it gives the vegetable oils the other pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects with applications in different industries.

The chemical composition, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of Pycnocycla spinosa and Pycnocyla flabellifolia essential oils

The purpose of our study was to compare the chemical compositions and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Pycnocycla spinosa and Pycnocycla flabellifolia essential oils. cis-Asarone (62.5%) and widdra-2,4(14)-diene (9%) were the main components of P. spinosa aerial part essential oil, while elemicin (60.1%) and caryophyllene oxide (9.8%) were the main components of P. spinosa seed essential oil. α-Phellandrene (25.5%), p-cymene (15.3%), and limonene (13.3%) were found in P. flabellifolia essential oil. The inhibition zone diameters for P. flabellifolia essential oil were significantly higher than for the two other essential oils from P. spinosa (p<0.05). In broth dilution assay (µL/mL), the sensitive microorganism to Pycnocycla sp. (P. spinosa, P. flabellifolia) was Aspergillus niger, followed by Candida albicans. In 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) system, P. spinosa aerial parts essential oil (IC50=548 µg/mL) had higher antioxidant activity than that of two other essential oils.

The Effects of Inulin on Characteristics of Lactobacillus paracasei TD3 (IBRC-M 10784) as Probiotic Bacteria in vitro

INTRODUCTION

Probiotics, as live microbial food ingredients or functional foods, are often related to health promotion and diseases prevention. The growth of these beneficial probiotics was improved by non-digestible food ingredients that are defined as prebiotics. Inulin is one of the known prebiotics that improves the gastrointestinal health. 

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional properties of Lactobacillus paracasei TD3 (IBRC-M 10784) and the effects of inulin as prebiotic on these properties in vitro.

METHODS

The tolerance of L. paracasei TD3 for low pH and pepsin (stomach condition), bile salt and trypsin conditions (small intestine conditions), antibiotics and pathogenic bacteria were evaluated by different methods.

RESULTS

Lactobacillus  paracasei TD3 was obtained from TakGene Company. L. paracasei TD3 was resistant to acidic pH higher than 3.5 and was tolerant to pepsin condition lower than 0.723 µg/mL and to bile salts ≤ 0.4% w/v and tripsin condition equal to 72.32 u/g and lower. This strain was resistant to vancomycin, nalidixic acid, colistin and gentamicin while was sensitive to penicillin, streptomycin and tetracycline. L. paracasei TD3 showed antimicrobial activity against S. typhimurium, Sh. dysanteriae, Sh. flexneri and E. coli, respectively. Inulin promoted the growth of L. paracasei TD3 (log CFU) in different conditions and increased the antibacterial activity of L. paracasei TD3 against pathogenic bacteria without changing the tolerance of bacteria to pH and other conditions (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

L. paracasei TD3 (IBRC-M 10784) in combination with inulin can be considered as valuable strain for further investigations in human clinical studies.

The Effect of Oliveria Decumbens and Pelargonium Graveolens on Healing of Infected Skin Wounds in Mice

BACKGROUND

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most causative organisms in the skin wound infections. Development of resistant S. aureus to current treatments in individuals with low immunity is a global concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of herbal formulation against skin wound infection.

METHODS

The efficacy of herbal formulation containing Oliveria decumbens and Pelargonium graveolens essential oils was evaluated in comparison to mupirocin against Methicillin Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) related skin wound infection in mice animal model.

RESULTS

The herbal cream and mupirocin decreased the log CFU by 2.5±0.26 and 2.46±0.32, respectively, while the log CFU of S. aureus from wound skin were 5.9±0.26 and 5.65±0.23 for placebo and control groups, respectively. Moreover, the histological examinations showed that this cream improved the wound healing and increased the collagen deposition and wound contraction.

CONCLUSION

This natural new formulation with O. decumbens and P. graveolens essential oils could be recommended as a new candidate for wound healing.

Combined Administration of Melissa officinalis and Boswellia serrata Extracts in an Animal Model of Memory

BACKGROUND

Boswellia serrata and Melissa officinalis is traditionally used for its memory enhancing effects.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of combined form of these extracts on memory improvement of scopolamine treated rats by the Morris water maze method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two groups (group 1 and 2) of animals were pretreated with combined extracts of B. serrata and M. officinalis (200, 400 mg/Kg body weight) for four weeks and then, 30 minutes before starting the experiment scopolamine was injected (0.1 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally to pretreated animals. The control group was the animals that were injected by scopolamine and pre treated with distilled water (group 3). The normal group was treated with distilled water alone (group 4).

RESULTS

For time spent and distance, there was no substantial difference between groups 1, 2 and 4, while they had statistical difference with group 3 (P = 0.001). The spatial memory evaluation showed no significant difference between treated groups and normal group.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, the combination of the two extracts had the ability to improve memory as its traditional use.

Antibacterial activity of Tribulus terrestris methanol extract against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli

Introduction: Tribulus terrestris L. is traditionally used for treatment of urinary tract infections. Escherichia coli, as the most prominent agent of urinary tract infections, can be sensitive to T. terrestris extract.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of T. terrestris methanol extract against clinical isolates of E. coli from urinary tract infections. Saponins were determined as main constituents of T. terrestris methanol extract.

Methods: The antibacterial activities of T. terrestris methanol extract were evaluated by micro-broth dilution assay. The synergistic effects of T. terrestris methanol extract were screened with gentamicin by micro titer plate and disc diffusion assays. The isobologram curve was figured and the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) was determined.

Results: The saponin content of T. terrestris methanol extract was 54% (w/w). The means of MIC and MBC values for E. coli clinical isolates (n=51) were 3.5±0.27 and 7.4±0.5 mg/ml while these amounts were 3.9±1.3 and 6.4±1.8 μg/ml for gentamicin. T. terrestris methanol extract and gentamicin had synergistic effect with FICI equal to 0.1375.

Conclusion: Therefore, T. terrestris can be applicable as alternative treatment in management of urinary tract infections.

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF SOME ESSENTIAL OILS ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH AMIKACIN AGAINST ACINETOBACTER SP

Acinetobacter sp. as gram negative bacilli is one of the most problematic bacteria in hospital environments. The emergence of multi-drug resistant isolates of Acinetobacter sp. encourages the scientists to find the new antimicrobial agent with less side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Cymbopogon olivieri, Heracleum persicum, Juniperus comminus, Azillia eryngioides, Dacus carrota, Ferula gummosa, Acorus calamus, Mentha pulegium, Achillea biebersteinii, and Chaerophyllum macropodum essential oils against clinical trials of Acinetobacter sp. by disc diffusion and micro broth dilution assays. The synergistic effect of these essential oils and amikacin (AMI) were determined. The higher inhibition zone diameters were for 2 µl of C. macropodum (15.3±0.48 mm). The lower MIC and MBC values were for C. olivieri (1.4 and 1.9 µl/ml) and J. comminus (1.9 and 2.6 µl/ml), followed by C. macropodum (2.01 and 3.2 µl/ml), D. carrota (2.1 and 3.8 µl/ml), A. eryngioides (2.3 and 3.1 µl/ml) essential oils and F. gummosa (2.4 and 4 µl/ml). AMI showed synergistic effect with all of the essential oils. D. carrota and A. eryngioides showed the best synergistic effect with AMI, followed by C. macropodum, A. biebersteinii, J. comminus and F. gummosa essential oils.

The anti-candidal activity of Satureja khuzistanica ethanol extract against clinical isolates of C. albicans

Candida albicans is the common cause of some infectious diseases such as vaginal candidiasis or candidemia. Due to the emergence of drug resistant isolates of C. albicans, finding a new anti-Candida agent is a new strategy for current treatments. This study evaluated the anti-candidal activity of Satureja khuzistanica ethanol extract against clinical isolates of C. albicans. S. khuzistanica ethanol extract from aerial parts of plant at full flowering stage was evaluated against 30 clinical isolates and two ATCC reference strains of C. albicans by disc diffusion and micro-broth dilution assay. Also, in this study we evaluated the synergistic effects of amphotericin B, clotrimazole and ketoconazole with S. khuzistanica ethanol extract. The means of MIC and MFC of S. khuzistanica ethanol extract against clinical isolates were 299.4 and 722.6 (μg/mL), respectively. S. khuzistanica ethanol extract increased the anti-candidal effect of amphotericin B and ketoconazole, while it had no synergistic effect on clotrimazole against clinical isolates of C. albicans. Therefore, S. khuzistanica ethanol extract can be introduced as a new source of anti-candidal agent against clinical isolates of C. albicans.

Effects of piroxicam administration on pregnancy outcome in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Uterus contractibility is considered a powerful prognostic factor in predicting the embryo transfer outcome. Moreover, uterine contractions are known to be stimulated by prostaglandins which are produced by cyclooxygenase from arachidonic acid. As such, suppressing the inflammatory response and contractions using anti-inflammatory and relaxant agents is expected to result in increased success rate of embryo transfer and artificial insemination.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of piroxicam administration on the success rate in intrauterine insemination (IU) cycles in patients presenting with unexplained infertility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial included 260 women with unexplained infertility undergoing IUI cycles. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either piroxicam ten mg/day on days 4-6 after IUI or placebo (control group). The main outcome measures were number of IUI cycles, pregnancy, abortion, and multiple pregnancy rates.

RESULTS

The pregnancy rate was found to be 25 (19.2%) and 16 (12.3%) in piroxicam and control groups, respectively (p = 0.039). Five patients (3.8%) in piroxicam group experienced twin pregnancy whereas only three patients (2.3%) in control group had twin pregnancy (p = 0.361). The pregnancy rate per cycle was also significantly higher in those who received piroxicam as compared to controls (11.16 vs. 6.66; p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

Administration of piroxicam after IUI is associated with decreased number of cycles, as well as increased pregnancy rate and pregnancy rate per cycle in IUI cycles. However, piroxicam did not have any effect on abortion, multiple pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy rates.

Comparison the efficacy of herbal mouthwash with chlorhexidine on gingival index of intubated patients in Intensive Care Unit

Background:

Intubated patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are not able to take care of their mouth health, so they are at risk of bacterial colonization and dental plaques formation that can lead to systemic diseases such as pneumonia and gingivitis.

Aims:

In randomized, double-blind clinical study, the efficacy of natural herbal mouthwash containing Salvadora persica ethanol extract and Aloe vera gel was compared with chlorhexidine on gingival index (GI) of intubated patients in ICU.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-six intubated patients (18–64 years old with mean age 40.35 ± 13.2) in ICU were admitted to this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: (1) Herbal mouthwash and (2) chlorhexidine solution. Before the intervention, the GIs was measured by modified GI device into two groups. The mouth was rinsed by mouthwashes every 2–3 h for 4 days. 2 h after the last intervention, GIs were determined.

Results:

Along with mechanical methods, herbal mouthwash in reducing GI was statistically significant than that of chlorhexidine (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The results of this study introduce a new botanical extract mouthwash with dominant healing effects on GI (1.5 ± 0.6) higher than that of synthetic mouthwash, chlorhexidine (2.31 ± 0.73).