Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine最新文献

Objective: Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial condition influenced by various factors including inflammation and oxidative stress. Using drugs that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress is beneficial in preventing the formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. In light of the adverse effects associated with pharmaceutical interventions, natural compounds present a potentially safer therapeutic alternative for managing inflammation and oxidative stress. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Berberis vulgaris (B. vulgaris), not berberine, in relation to atherosclerosis.

Material and methods: Databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were considered. The search terms were "Berberis vulgaris", "Cardiovascular", "Atherosclerosis", "Inflammation", "Oxidative stress", "Clinic", "Animal", "In vitro", "Cell line" and "Ingredient". The articles were reviewed from 2004 to 2024.

Results: B. vulgaris known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties since it contains 22 alkaloid compounds, with berberine being the most prominent. Although berberine has been studied extensively in relation to atherosclerosis, its therapeutic use has been limited due to its poor oral bioavailability, which is less than 1%. Moreover, based on the literature the whole extract of B. vulgaris can be useful for atherosclerosis prevention.

Conclusion: Inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in the formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Due to the presence of alkaloids and polyphenols, B. vulgaris exhibits strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, making its consumption potentially useful in preventing atherosclerosis.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Corchorus olitorius leaf extract on induced polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) rats.

Materials and methods: 36 female Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=6) including Sham, PCOS + vehicle (Dimethyl sulfoxide), PCOS + Clomiphene citrate, PCOS + 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg Corchorus olitorius. The Sham group was administered CMC (carboxymethylcellulose) (0.5%) 1 ml/0.1 kg, while the PCOS groups were administered letrozole (1 mg/kg) dissolved in 0.5% CMC solution for 21 days via oral gavage. The PCOS condition was established to be successful when Papanicolaou-stained vaginal cytology of days 13-21 showed a greater dominance of clusters of empty cornified squamous cells. The duration of treatments was for 14 days ( via oral gavage) and euthanization occurred on the 15^th day. Hormonal levels, glucose level, lipid profile, hematological indices, liver function, kidney function, and histopathological studies of the ovaries and uteri were all determined.

Results: PCOS induction led to abnormalities in hormonal levels, lipid profile, glucose levels, ovarian morphology, uterine morphology, and vaginal cytology of the PCOS rats compared to the Sham group (p<0.05). C. olitorius leaf extract showed its ameliorative effects in terms of normalizing the altered vaginal cytology, restoring most parameters, and improving the appearance of ovarian and uterine morphology.

Conclusion: These results suggest that C. olitorius leaves ameliorate PCOS symptoms in the studied biochemical and histological parameters.

Objective: Evidence indicates that Nigella sativa (NS) and its key compounds such as carvacrol, thymoquinone, thymol, and α-hederin exhibit properties that reduce inflammation, act as antioxidants, and modulate the immune system. This meta-analysis investigated the preclinical evidence of NS reported in animal models of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma.

Materials and methods: Studies done on NS and its components in animal models of OVA-induced asthma in all published articles up to July 2024 were searched in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. The studies underwent assessment of methodological quality utilizing the 15-point CAMARADES checklist. MedCalc software was utilized for performing the data analysis.

Results: Sixteen studies involving a total of 486 animals, with 243 in the intervention group and 243 in the ovalbumin-induced group were analyzed. In the meta-analysis results, it was shown that NS and its components notably decreased total white blood cells (WBC), eosinophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. Additionally, NS caused a shift in the half of the maximum effective concentration (EC50) curve to the right and decreased the maximum response rates and tracheal OVA-response in experimental animals.

Conclusion: NS, and its components, could potentially influence asthma induced by OVA in animals by improving airway responsiveness and exhibiting anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Consequently, it is recommended that NS be evaluated in additional clinical trials for patients with asthma.

Objective: The presented meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aimed to analyze the effectiveess of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hr postprandial glucose (2hPPG), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Insulin and Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Materials and methods: A systematic literature search of several databases was performed from inception to 30 October 2023, for controlled clinical trials. Data were analyzed using the random-effect model, and are presented as weighted (WMD) or standardized (SMD) mean difference and associated 95 % confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochrane χ² test. Meta-regression, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis were used to identify the source of heterogeneity. Funnel plot, Egger's, and Begg's tests were also used to evaluate publication bias.

Results: A total of 26 Randomized controlled trial (RCTs) met the eligibility criteria. The results indicated significant improving effects of fenugreek on FBG (WMD: - 16.75 mg/dl; 95 % CI: - 23.36, - 10.15; p<0.001), 2hPP (WMD: - 22.28 mg/dl; 95 % CI: - 34.42 to - 10.15; p<0.001; I² (%): 95.1%, p<0.001), HbA1c levels (WMD: - 0.63 mg/dl; 95 % CI: - 0.76 to - 0.51; p<0.001), and insulin (SMD: - 0.42; 95 % CI: - 0.79 to - 0.05; p = 0.026). However, the HOMA-IR effect was insignificant (WMD: -22.28 mg/dl; 95 % CI: - 0.84 to 0.02; p = 0.061).

Conclusion: The overall results support the possible protective and therapeutic effects of fenugreek on glycemic parameters. Future studies with higher quality are necessary to confirm the results of the present meta-analyses.

Objective: Tea is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Also, skin care products often contain antioxidant compounds that help protect the skin from free radicals that cause premature aging. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and anti-aging effects of whole green tea (Camellia sinensis) and its polyphenols, especially EGCG (Epigallocatechin-3-gallate) on human skin.

Materials and methods: This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. The literature search was conducted using keywords: "Green tea", "Camellia sinensis", "cosmetics", "dermatology", and "topical". The literature search in this study included journals published from January 2013 to December 2023. This scoping review aimed to answer questions about the benefits of green tea or tea polyphenol extract in cosmetics for skin aging problems. Since the aim of this scoping review is to give a broad overview of the subject matter, review articles are included to give all possible insights into this topic.

Results: We included twenty-one articles for qualitative analysis. The included studies consisted of six in vitro studies, nine reviews, and six controlled trials, with twelve studies investigating the effects of whole green tea, four studies focusing on its polyphenols, and five studies examining the compound EGCG.

Conclusion: This review gave an overview of green tea extract as an anti-aging in vivo and in vitro studies. Further research on the use of molecular carriers and their application to human skin is needed.

Objective: Olanzapine, a well-known antipsychotic drug, causes considerable weight gain and metabolic abnormalities in patients. Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has anti-obesity, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, and anti-diabetes effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) as green tea polyphenols on metabolic changes induced by olanzapine.

Materials and methods: We used fourteen groups of rats and subjected them to intraperitoneal injections once a day for eleven days: 1: Control. 2: Olanzapine (5 mg/kg/day). 3, 4, and 5: Olanzapine + EGCG (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/day, respectively). 6, 7, and 8: EGCG (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/day, respectively). 9, 10, and 11: Olanzapine + ECG (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/day, respectively). 12, 13, and 14: ECG (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/day). The body weights were recorded every three days and food consumption was evaluated every day. At the end of the study, lipid profile, systolic blood pressure (SBP), leptin and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels, and locomotor activity were assessed.

Results: Olanzapine considerably increased weight, food intake, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, SBP, leptin, and FBS, and decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and locomotor activity. Co-administration of ECG or EGCG at different doses significantly suppressed olanzapine-induced weight gain, and elevated plasma lipids, SBP, leptin, and FBS levels. Both compounds also considerably increased locomotor activity and HDL levels.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that ECG and EGCG could be promising adjunct therapies to counteract the metabolic side effects of olanzapine.

Objective: Traditional medicine is often used to relief pain, but its use is frequently not supported by appropriate scientific information. This study aims to investigate the histamine release suppression of Sonchus arvensis (SA) and Curcuma mangga (CM).

Materials and methods: Rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) and Mas-related GPCR-X2(MRGPRX2)-transfected RBL-2H3 cells were activated by 50 μg/ml of compound 48/80. Water suspension of SA or CM (0.1-30 mg/ml) was used to inhibit cell activation by compound 48/80. The level of mast cell activation was determined by measuring histamine release concentration using HPLC-fluorometry.

Results: At a concentration of 10 mg/ml, CM resulted in 22.60±5.86% in a spontaneous histamine release from RPMCs. The net histamine release after compound 48/80 stimulation in RPMC was 67.19±1.31%. CM at 3 mg/ml suppressed histamine release to 8.45±2.53%. In MRGPRX2-transfected RBL-2H3 cells stimulated with compound 48/80, CM at concentrations of 3 and 10 mg/mL suppressed histamine release to 22.85±0.64% and 4.20±1.60%, respectively. SA at 30 mg/ml induced a spontaneous histamine release of 56.76±4.03%, compared to 5.65±2.61% in the control group. The administration of 3 mg/ml of SA to compound 48/80-stimulated RPMCs resulted in a net histamine release of 6.12±0.46%. In MRGPRX2-transfected RBL-2H3 cells activated by compound 48/80, the net release was 35.11±3.10%. SA at 10 mg/ml suppressed histamine release to 4.88±1.42%.

Conclusion: SA and CM water suspension suppressed compound 48/80-induced histamine release.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate Glasthma, a Persian medicine herbal formulation for its efficacy and safety in managing asthma symptoms and modulating intestinal permeability.

Materials and methods: Forty randomly assigned asthma patients received Glasthma syrup (n=20) or a placebo (n=20) twice daily for 4 weeks. Respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests, and 5-hour urine lactulose to mannitol ratio were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks.

Results: Glasthma group exhibited significant improvements in clinical and paraclinical scores, including asthma control test (p<0.001), asthma control questionnaire 7 (p<0.007), Forced Expiratory Volume in the First Second (p<0.001), and Maximal Mid-Expiratory Flow 25-75 (p<0.002) compared to the placebo group. Lactulose and mannitol levels significantly decreased in the Glasthma group (p<0.028 and p<0.0000, respectively), with no significant changes in the ratio. No serious adverse effects were observed.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that Glasthma formulation may effectively improve asthma symptoms and regulate the gut-lung axis.

Objective: Carvacrol has anti-inflammatory effects. According to the links between inflammatory processes and seizures, this study was designed to investigate the potential effect of carvacrol in reducing seizure severity and involvement of hippocampal pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Materials and methods: This research was conducted on 42 adult male Wistar rats. Animals were randomly divided into seven groups (n=6). Seizures were induced by PTZ (Pentylenetetrazol) injection (80 mg/kg). LPS (lippolysaccharide) was injected (400 μg/kg) 4 hr before PTZ. Carvacrol (100 mg/kg) was injected immediately after LPS. All injections were intraperitoneal (i.p.). Experimental groups were as follows: 1. Control (Cnt) 2. Carvacrol (Cav); 3. LPS; 4. PTZ, 5. PTZ+LPS; 6. PTZ+Cav; 7. PTZ+LPS+Cav. Seizures were observed for 30 min after the PTZ injection and the occurrence of behavioral stages of seizures was recorded. Following the behavioral study, hippocampal samples were collected for gene expression evaluation using the Real Time-PCR technique to assess IL (interleukin)-1, IL-6, IL-4 and TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α gene expression.

Results: The current study showed that receiving LPS exacerbated seizures in the studied groups. Carvacrol reduced the severity of seizures in the LPS-receiving groups. In the gene expression study, receiving LPS increased the expression of cytokines TNF-α and IL-1 in the hippocampal tissue. Carvacrol significantly decreased gene expression of TNF-α and IL-1.No significant changes were detected for IL-6, IL-4 gene expression.

Conclusion: There could be a relationship between carvacrol ability to modulate the proconvulsive effects of LPS and its ability to decrease the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the chemical composition antioxidant activity, and diuretic effects of Moroccan Pinus pinaster bark ethanolic extract (PPBE).

Materials and methods: The phytochemical composition of PPBE was assessed using HPLC-DAD. Total polyphenols and flavonoids were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum trichloride methods, respectively, while mineral content was determined by plasma mass spectrometry. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the reducing power assay, total antioxidant capacity, and anti-DPPH free radical assay. For the diuretic effect, sixteen male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (distilled water, 10 ml/kg of BW), furosemide (10 mg/kg of BW), and PPBE (200 and 400 mg/kg of BW) groups. After 15 days, plasma and urine were collected for creatinine, potassium, and sodium analysis, along with urine output measurement. Statistical analysis employed one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey multiple comparison test.

Results: The PPBE displayed high phenolic content and potent antioxidant properties. Besides, the PPBE phenolic screening showed nine phenolic compounds with ferulate glucoside, gallic acid, and catechin as the main compounds. The PPBE demonstrated a richness in essential minerals. Furthermore, at both doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) PPBE led to a notable elevation in urine flow, urinary sodium concentration, and creatinine clearance, without affecting plasma electrolytes. In contrast, furosemide caused a reduction in plasma potassium levels.

Conclusion: PPBE could serve as a bioactive component, antioxidant, or preservative in food formulation. Moreover, it exhibits a diuretic effect without altering plasma composition.