Allium Hirtifolium Boiss Research Articles

Physicochemical, microbial, and sensory characteristics of yogurt with Persian shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss) and probiotic bacteria.

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of yogurt prepared with the addition of Persian shallot and probiotic bacteria. The effect of Persian shallot on the viability of probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum) was evaluated. Furthermore, the antimicrobial effects of shallot and probiotic bacteria on Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli species were investigated. The experiments were performed on days 0, 1, 7, 14, and 21. The results showed that the survival of lactic acid bacteria increased significantly in the presence of shallots (p < .05). The addition of two different probiotic bacteria to the yogurt samples inhibited the pathogenic bacteria. While E. coli bacteria had a 3-log reduction, L. monocytogenes did not grow at all in the presence of probiotic bacteria and shallots. Based on these experiments, it was concluded that the addition of shallots not only increased the survival of probiotic bacteria but also reduced the growth of food-borne pathogenic bacteria. In addition, the addition of probiotic bacteria increased the acceptance of sensory properties of yogurt samples.

Microwave drying kinetics and quality of Allium hirtifolium Boiss: effect of ultrasound-assisted osmotic pretreatment

Microwave drying kinetics and quality of Allium hirtifolium Boiss: effect of ultrasound-assisted osmotic pretreatment

In silico docking based screening of constituents from Persian shallot as modulators of human glucokinase.

Small molecule glucokinase (GK) modulators not only decrease fasting and basal plasma sugar contents but also progress glucose tolerance. The hydro-ethanolic extract of the Persian shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss.) decreased blood glucose, improved plasma insulin and amplified GK action. The present study was proposed to screen phytoconstituents from Persian shallot as human GK activators using in silico docking studies. A total of 91 phytoconstituents reported in Persian shallot (A. hirtifolium Boiss.) were assessed in silico for the prediction of drug-like properties and molecular docking investigations were carried out with human GK using AutoDock vina with the aim of exploring the binding interactions between the phytoconstituents and GK enzyme followed by in silico prediction of toxicity. Almost all the phytoconstituents tested showed good pharmacokinetic parameters for oral bioavailability and drug-likeness. In the docking analysis, cinnamic acid, methyl 3,4,5-trimethoxy benzoate, quercetin, kaempferol, kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1- > 4)-glucopyranoside, 5-hydroxy-methyl furfural, ethyl N-(O-anisyl) formimidate, 2-pyridinethione and ascorbic acid showed appreciable hydrogen bond and hydrophobic type interactions with the allosteric site residues of the GK enzyme. These screened phytoconstituents may serve as promising hit molecules for further development of clinically beneficial and safe allosteric activators of the human GK enzyme.

Review on upregulation of glucokinase expression by selected plants and their phytoconstituents

Glucokinase is, an allosteric enzyme involved in glycolysis, is rapidly regulated in the liver through glucokinase regulatory protein and remains essential for blood glucose homeostasis. The present review provides brief information about the effects of a few selected plants and phytochemicals on human glucokinase activation and gene modulation. A thorough and relevant literature search from several scientific databases, comprising Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed, was carried out. We highlighted the seven plants (Acorus tatariowii Schott, Allium hirtifolium Boiss, Apache red maize, Mulberry species, Pterocarpus marsupium, Sapium ellepticum, Mangifera indica) and their phytoconstituents ( Tatanans A-C, alliogenin , gitogenin , kaempferol , quercetin and shallomin,1-deoxynojirimycin,cyanidin-3-rutinoside,resveratrol,cyanidin-3-glucoside,oxyresveratrol, lupeol, alpha-tocopherol, uteolin-7-glucoside, amentoflavone, and Mangiferin) on human glucokinase enzyme activation and gene modulation. This review concluded that investigation of glucokinase activators of plant origin is the major research focus in the management of type 2 diabetes.

2-methylpyridine-1-ium-1-sulfonate modifies tumor-derived exosome mediated macrophage polarization: Relevance to the tumor microenvironment

The compound “2-methylpyridine-1-ium-1-sulfonate” (MPS) is the active constituent of Allium hirtifolium Boiss. bulbs with potent anti-angiogenic and anti-cancer activities. Tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a key role in tumor progression via tumor derived exosome (TEX) mediated polarization of M2 type tumor associated macrophages (TAMs). In this study, we explored direct and colorectal cancer (CRC) exosome-mediated impacts of MPS on macrophage polarization to find out whether MPS could modify TEX in favor of anti-tumor M1-like macrophage polarization. After MPS isolation and characterization, first its direct anti-cancer effects were evaluated on HT-29 cells. Then, TEX were isolated from untreated (C-TEX) and MPS-treated (MPS-TEX) HT-29 cells. THP-1 M0 macrophages were incubated with MPS, C-TEX and MPS-TEX. Macrophage polarization was evaluated by flow cytometry, ELISA and gene expression analysis of several M1- and M2-related markers. MPS induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and reduced the migration ability of HT-29 cells. C-TEX polarized M0 macrophages toward a mixed M1-/M2-like phenotype with a high predominance of M2-like cells. Macrophage treatment with MPS was associated with the induction of M1-like phenotype. Also, MPS was demonstrated to ameliorate TEX-mediated effects in favor of M1-like polarization. In conclusion, our study addresses for the first time, the potential capability of MPS in skewing macrophages toward an anti-cancer M1-like phenotype both directly and in a TEX-dependent manner. Thus, in addition to its direct anti-cancer effects, this compound could also modify TME in favor of tumor eradication via its direct and TEX-mediated effects on macrophage polarization as a novel anti-cancer mechanism.

Weed management in Allium hirtifolium L. production by herbicides application

Allium hirtifolium Boiss (Persian shallot), called “Mooseer” in Persian, as a medical and industrial species, is poor competitor against weeds. Due to high pressure on its natural habitats by harvesting for food and medicinal consumption, it is necessary to domesticate it for commercial production. There is rare information on the tolerance of A. hirtifolium to herbicide applications. In present study, the effects of 19 weed control scenario along with two weedy and weed free controls on the weeds control and yield response of A. hirtifolium were evaluated. The field experiment was conducted in two years (Autumn 2015 to Summer 2017), as randomized complete block design with three replicates. Flixweed (Descurainia sophia L.) was the dominant weed in the experimental plots in both years. Hand-weeding caused complete weed removal and resulted in the highest crop yield. Oxyfluorfen herbicide caused the highest crop phytotoxicity in both rates (180+180 and 360 g a.i. ha−1). Whereas, bentazone and oxyfluorfen produced the highest crop yield. Based on our finding, although hand-weeding had highest crop yield, post emergence application of bentazone (1200 and 1440 g a.i. ha−1), oxadiazone (360 g a.i. ha−1) and oxyfluorfen (360 g a.i. ha−1) can be suitable options for selective chemical weeds control in A. hirtifolium, due to gained acceptable yield by providing satisfactory levels of weed control and crop phytotoxicity.

Combined and Singular Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Persian Shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss) and Synbiotic Biomin®IMBO on Growth Performance, Serum- and Mucus-Immune Parameters and Antioxidant Defense in Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Simple SummaryThe present study investigated the effect of combined and singular ethanolic extract of Persian shallot and synbiotic Bomin®IMBO in zebrafish. The aim of this study is to measure a range of parameters consisting of growth performance, serum and mucus immune parameters, and antioxidant defense. The results indicated that the measured parameters have a positive effect and hence we can suggest administration of these additives in zebrafish culture.This study was carried out to evaluate combined and singular effects of ethanolic extract of Persian shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss) and synbiotic Biomin®IMBO on growth performance, innate immune responses, and antioxidant defense in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Fish with initial weight of 151.90 ± 0.31 mg were allocated in 21 10-L glass aquariums. The experimental groups were as follows: T1, control (without any supplementation); T2, 1% synbiotic; T3, 3% synbiotic; T4, 1% Persian shallot (as a medical plant); T5, 3% Persian shallot; T6, 1% Persian shallot and 1% synbiotic; T7, 3% Persian shallot and 3% synbiotic. At the end of the experiment (60 days), all treatments significantly showed higher final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), WG (%), and specific growth rate (SGR) compared with the fish fed on control diet. Furthermore, both synbiotic Biomin®IMBO and Persian shallot significantly improved intestine immune parameters including lysozyme, alternative complement hemolytic activity (ACH50), total immunoglobulin (total Ig), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) of zebrafish compared to fish fed on control diet (p < 0.05). Also, in all experimental groups, hepatic catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities significantly increased compared to the control group. Whereas, the highest MDA level was observed in the control group compared to the treatments (p < 0.05). Moreover, skin mucus immune parameters of zebrafish have been noticeably improved with synbiotic Biomin®IMBO and Persian shallot compared to fish fed on the control diet (p < 0.05). The results indicate that synbiotic or Persian shallot supplemented diet could enhance the general health status of the zebrafish.

The effects of combined inclusion of Malvae sylvestris, Origanum vulgare, and Allium hirtifolium boiss for common carp (Cyprinus carpio) diet: Growth performance, antioxidant defense, and immunological parameters

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a mixture of three medicinal plants extracts (COP: common mallow (Malvae sylvestris), oregano (Origanum vulgare), and Persian shallot (Allium hirtifolium boiss)) on growth, hematological indices, immunological parameters, liver antioxidant, and digestive enzyme activity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Accordingly, 540 common carp fingerlings were randomly allotted to 18 fiberglass tanks, including six treatments each in triplicate. Fish were fed with experimental diets supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5% of the herbal mixture. After 60 days, the effects on growth performance, antioxidant, and immunological parameters were evaluated. According to the results, the highest final weight was observed in the fish fed 2 and 3% of the herbal mixture. Also, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed a significant decrease in fish treated with the herbal mix, so that the lowest FCR was observed in the treatment 1%. Hematological examinations such as red blood cells (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and hemoglobin showed significant changes between different parameters compared to the control group. The highest protein content was observed in the fish supplemented with 2, 3, and 5% herbs. Besides, in contrast to glucose, the cortisol level showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. The digestive enzymes (Amylase, Lipase, and Protease) were significantly higher in 2 and 3% treatments than in the control group. Also, a significant difference was found in Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content between the experimental and control treatments. Examination of liver enzymes (and alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) showed a significant difference in herbal mixture treatments with the control group, according to which the lowest amount of these enzymes was recorded in 2 and 3% herb supplemented fish. Herbal mix resulted in higher mucosal and intestinal immunity parameters, including total immunoglobulin (total Ig), lysozyme, alternative complement activities (ACH50), protease, and ALP. According to the results, supplementing the diet with a mixture of the COP can significantly improve growth parameters, stimulate the innate immune system, and improve antioxidant defenses and liver health of common carp.

Evaluation of macro and trace elements content of wild edible Iranian plants and their contribution to dietary reference intakes

Recently, wild edible plants (WEPs) have been recognized as a significant source of macro and trace elements acquisition for the human health, leading to increased interest in WEPs consumption. Macro (Ca, K, Mg, Na) and trace elements (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn) composition and their contribution towards recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 19 Iranian WEP were determined. According to the results, the highest content of Ca, K, and Mg was 4520.48, 7830.31, and 770.02 mg (100 g)−1 DW in species of Tragopogon collinus D.C., Smyrnium cordifolium Boiss., and Smyrniumcordifolium Boiss., respectively, indicating these plants are good nutritional sources of the above macro elements. Among the trace elements, the highest content was related to Fe (16.07 mg (100 g)−1 DW) in Taraxacumvulgar Hodn. Mzt., and the lowest content was found for Co (0.03 mg (100 g)−1 DW) in Anchusa italica Retz., Falcaria vulgaris Bernh., and Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. For Ca, Tragopogon collinus D.C. and Trifolium pratense L. leave providing about 94 % and 85 % of the RDA, respectively, while for K, bulbs of Allium hirtifolium Boiss. and aerial parts of Fumaria parviflora Lam. contributed 42 % and 39 % of the RDA, respectively. The estimated daily intake of trace elements for both adults and children with WEPs consumption was lower than the oral reference dose limit. For both adults and children, the health risk index (HRI) of trace elements from the use of WEPs was in decreasing order of Co > Cd > Fe > Cu > Mn > Ni > Zn. All trace element HRI values were less than 0.65 except for Co, showing that trace element exposure by most WEPs intake was usually considered safe if consumed in reasonable amounts. Assessment by cluster analysis showed three clusters of macro and trace elements and a strong distinction between different WEPs. It seems that these WEPs can be a major contribution to the consumption of nutrients for consumers and serve as inexpensive food sources.

Antifungal interactions of Persian shallot (Allium hirtifolium) extracts and potassium sorbate against Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium citrinum

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to investigate the antifungal activities of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Persian shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss) combined with potassium sorbate against Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium citrinum. Chemical analysis of the extracts was conducted using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Antifungal activity was assessed using agar well diffusion, mycelial growth inhibition, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) methods. The main component of the extracts were methyl methylthiomethyl disulfide and 1‐Butene, 1‐(methylthio)‐(Z). Both extracts completely inhibited the mycelial growth of A flavus. MIC value of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Persian shallot against A flavus was 10 and 5 mg/mL, respectively. MIC value of both extracts against P citrinum was 2.5 mg/mL. Synergistic antifungal activity (FICi = 0.5) was found between aqueous extract of Persian shallot and potassium sorbate against A flavus. In conclusion, aqueous extract of Persian shallot has the potential to be used as an adjunct natural antifungal to reduce the concentration of potassium sorbate in foods.

In Vitro Antibacterial Activities of Various Ethanolic Medicinal Plant Extracts Against Some Human Pathogenic Bacteria

The widespread use of antibiotics often causes increase in the bacterial drugs resistance and causes many side effects in humans. Medical plants have antimicrobial effects against most pathogenic bacteria and can serve as harmless replacement to antibiotics. The aim of this study was to assess the antibacterial effect of five medicinal plant prevailed in Kurdistan region namely; Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia (L.) D.Don), Nigella (Nigella sativa L.), Allium (Allium hirtifolium Boiss.), Carrot (Daucus carota L.), and Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) against pathogenic Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), and pathogenic Gram negative bacteria (Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli). The evaluation of antibacterial activity for these plant extracts was carried out using agar-well diffusion method. Results showed that minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of A. hirtifolium against tested bacterial isolates were (25 mg/mL), the lowest MIC values for S. aureus were (25 mg/mL) observed with C. cassia, N. sativa and F. vulgare ethanolic extracts and the lowest MIC of D. carota against bacterial isolates were (50 mg/mL), Also, it was observed that S. aureus was more sensitive than S. typhi and E. coli to plant extracts. The ethanol plant extracts had potential antibacterial activities. However, further studies are required to identify the active compounds which could be used for the preparation of new antimicrobial agents and control the bacterial infectious diseases.

Biochemical and Histological Evidence on the Protective Effects of Allium hirtifolium Boiss (Persian Shallot) as an Herbal Supplement in Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity.

Materials and Methods Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: groups 1, 2, and 3 received vehicle, Cd (100 mg/L/day by drinking water), and A. hirtifolium extract (200 mg/kg/day; orally), respectively. Groups 4, 5, and 6 were Cd groups which were treated with A. hirtifolium extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively). After 2 weeks, liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and also oxidative stress biomarkers including lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol molecule (TTM), and the histopathological changes were determined using standard procedure. Results The findings showed that Cd caused a remarkable rise in levels of serum hepatic enzymes such as ALT (P < 0.001), AST (P < 0.01) and ALP (P < 0.001) compared with the control group. In addition, Cd led to the decreasing of the levels of TTM (P < 0.001) and TAC (P < 0.001) and increasing of LPO (P < 0.001) in liver tissue in comparison with the control group. In this regard, remarkable vascular congestion, hepatocellular degeneration, and vacuolization were observed in hepatic tissue of Cd-treated rats. Following the administration of A. hirtifolium extract, a significant improvement was observed in the functional and oxidative stress indices of hepatic tissue alongside histopathologic changes. Conclusion The current study indicated that the A. hirtifolium extract might prevent hepatic oxidative injury by improving oxidant/antioxidant balance in rats exposed to Cd.

Cytotoxic activity of Rosa damascene mill, Alliumsativum, Allium hirtifolium Boiss, and Prosopis farcta extracts on human cervical carcinoma cell line

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the major reasons of cancer-related mortality. Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection, which can lead to cervical cancer. There is no powerful chemotherapeutic agent for HPV infection and cervical cancer. Some plants have the proper potential to be used for treatment of cervical cancer caused by HPV type 18.Materials and Methods: In this study, cytotoxic effect of extract of four indigenous Iranian plants including Rosa damascene mill, Allium sativum, Allium hirtifolium boiss and Prosopis farcta were investigated on the HeLa cell line. HeLa cells were incubated with different concentrations of extracts and then the cell viability was measured by MTT assay.Results: The viable cell numbers were decreased by increase of the extracts concentration. The Allium sativum showed the higher cytotoxicity in all concentrations than the other ones. Afterwards, Allium hirtifolium Boiss, Rosa damascene mill, and Prosopis farcta showed maximum efficiency to decrease cell viability, respectively.Conclusion: The above four mentioned plants might be used for death of HeLa cell harboring HPV type 18. Therefore, they could be employed as a chemotherapeutic agent in the cervical cancer treatment in future.

Protective effects of Allium hirtifolium Boiss extract on cadmium-induced renal failure in rats.

Cadmium (Cd), as a toxic metal, can accumulate in kidneys and induce renal failure. This study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effects of Allium hirtifolium Boiss bulbs against Cd-induced renal failure in rats. Thirty-six rats were divided into 6 groups: group 1, 2, and 3 received vehicle, Cd (100 mg/L/day by drinking water), and AhB extract (200 mg/kg/day; orally), respectively. Groups 4, 5, and 6 were Cd groups which treated AhB extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively). After 2 weeks, renal function and oxidative stress markers were determined by using colorimetric methods. Our findings showed that Cd caused a significant increase in creatinine (Cr; p<0.05), uric acid (p<0.01), BUN (p<0.05), serum levels, lipid peroxidation (LPO; p<0.01), and nitric oxide (NO; p<0.01); the depletion of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC; p<0.01) and total thiol molecules (TTM; p<0.001); and structural alterations in the renal tissue. Following AhB extract administration, a remarkable improvement was observed in the functional and oxidative stress markers of renal tissue.This study suggests that AhB may prevent progression of Cd-induced renal failure via improvement of oxidative/antioxidant balance in renal tissue.

Preventive effects of Allium hirtifolium Boiss methanolic and aqueous extracts on renal injury induced by lead in rats

Introduction: In this study the kidney protective effects of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Allium hirtifolium Boiss (shallot) were evaluated on kidney toxicity induced by lead (Pb) in Wistar rats. Methods: Eighty adult female Wistar rats of 3–5 months of age and weighing 200–250 g were allocated randomly into 10 groups and treated for 15 and 30 days as follows: control group, Pb (10 mg/L), methanolic extract of shallot (12.5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg), Pb plus methanolic extract of shallot (12.5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg), aqueous extract of shallot (12.5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg), Pb plus aqueous extract of shallot (12.5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg). Serum concentrations of glucose as well as renal parameters were measured at 15 days and 30 days in the studied groups. Results: Analysis showed a significant reduction in the mean of urea in the methanolic extract group with a concentration of 12.5 mg/kg, compared to the lead group. Consumption of 25 mg/kg methanolic extract of shallot showed a significantly reduction of uric acid, creatinine and total protein in comparison with control group and lead group. Consumption of 25 mg/kg methanolic extract of shallot+lead was able to reduce the mean of urea uric acid, creatinine and total protein in comparison with lead group. Also, the results showed that methanolic extract of shallot+lead at a dose of 12.5 mg/kg could reduce the mean of urea uric acid, creatinine and total protein in comparison with lead group. There was no significant difference in the rest groups. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that shallot extract can dose dependently reduce the factors related to lead induced renal damages.

Experimental evaluation of a polyherbal formulation (Tetraherbs): antidiabetic efficacy in rats

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss), and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) are well-known and widely used medicinal plants in the world. There is some experimentally proven evidence demonstrated the beneficial effects of these herbs on metabolic disorders like diabetes. Despite the fact that there are limited studies in the field of herb-herb interactions, some of the diabetic patients prefer to use these herbs in a combination form. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of an equal mixture of these plants (named Tetraherbs) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Severe diabetic rats (FBS above 350 mg/dL) were treated orally with ethanolic extracts of cinnamon (EEC), fenugreek (EEF), shallot (EES), and clove (EECL) separately at the dose of 75 mg/kg, or in equal combination formula (Tetraherbs) at doses of 100–300 mg/kg once per day for 28 days. At the end of the study, their effects on glucose levels, plasma lipids, liver enzymes activity, and histology of pancreas were evaluated. The blood glucose lowering activity, as well as pancreatic β cell regeneration of Tetraherbs, was significantly higher than the plants when they used separately. However, there was no significant difference in lipid-lowering and hepatoprotective potentials of the herbs whether used singly or in combination. In conclusion, the results of the present study provide evidence show combination form of the studied plants increased their glucose-lowering activity by positive interaction.

Dietary supplementation with Allium hirtifolium and/or Astragalus hamosus improved memory and reduced neuro-inflammation in the rat model of Alzheimer's disease.

Allium hirtifolium Boiss and Astragalus hamosus L. are mentioned in Iranian traditional medicine documentation as therapy for a kind of dementia with the features and symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, the effects of these herbs on neuro-inflammation and memory have been evaluated as new therapies in amyloid beta (Aβ)-induced memory impairment model. Separate groups of rats were fed with A. hirtifolium or A. hamosus extract (both 100 mg/(kg·day)-1) started 1 week before stereotaxic surgery to 24 h before behavioral testing (totally, for 16 successive days). The effects of oral administration of mentioned extracts on the memory and neuro-inflammation were assessed in the Aβ-injected rats. The results of this study showed that oral administration of both A. hirtifolium and A. hamosus improved the memory, examined by using Y-maze test and shuttle box apparatus. Also, Western blotting analysis of cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α showed that these herbs have ameliorating effects against the neuro-inflammation caused by Aβ. These findings suggest that the use of A. hirtifolium and A. hamosus as herbal therapy may be suitable for decreasing AD-related symptoms and treatment of other neurodegenerative disorders.

Computational approaches to the in vitro antibacterial activity of Allium hirtifolium Boiss against gentamicin-resistant Escherichia coli: focus on ribosome recycling factor

Persian shallot, Allium hirtifolium Boiss. (AH), is an Iranian native medicinal plant belongs to Alliaceae family. Here, we investigated in vitro antibacterial activity of hydro-alcoholic extract derived from bulbs of AH. We also employed in silico molecular docking to decipher mechanisms of its antibacterial effects. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against E. coli ATCC 25922 were determined. Molecular docking was performed for major phytochemicals of AH against ribosome recycling factor (RRF). E. coli ATCC 25922 was gentamicin-resistant while AH showed MIC (42 ± 18 μg/ml) and MBC (106 ± 36 μg/ml) against E. coli. In silico results reported all phytochemicals of AH shown acceptable negative binding affinity (kcal/mol) with RRF. In essence, the binding affinities of alliogenin (−11.6), gitogenin (−11.6), kaempferol (−10.2), linoleic acid (−8.4), oleic acid (−8.0), palmitic acid (−7.4), palmitoleic acid (−8.4), quercetin (−10.8), and shallomin (−13.4) with RRF were comparable to that of gentamicin (−12.6). In sum, hydro-alcoholic extract of bulbs of AH could be considered as a commercial phytobiotics if in-depth antibacterial assays employed in future studies. More interestingly, shallomin showed more promising binding affinity with RRF and can be considered as lead molecule for future drug discovery.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Tribulus terrestris, Allium sativum, Salvia officinalis, and Allium hirtifolium Boiss Against Enterococcus faecalis

Background: Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive, commensal bacterium which can cause life-threatening infections in humans. E. faecalis has been frequently found in root canal-treated teeth and is resistant to many commonly used antimicrobial agents. Nowadays modern medicine recognizes herbalism as a form of alternative medicine. Tribulus terrestris, Allium sativum, Salvia officinalis and Allium hirtifolium Boiss are commonly found in Iran and used as antimicrobial agents in folklore medicine. Objectives: In this study, antimicrobial activities of aqueous extracts of some plants were examined in vitro against E. faecalis. Materials and Methods: Antibacterial activities of the extracts of T. terrestris, A. sativum, S. officinalis and A. hirtifolium Boiss were examined using disc and well diffusion methods, and the19 minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of aqueous extracts were determined against E. faecalis using agar and broth dilution methods. Results: The obtained results showed that the extract of A. hirtifolium Boiss inhibited the growth of E. faecalis (MIC of 10 mg/mL). Other plants had no effect on the target bacterium. Conclusion: According to the best effect of A. hirtifolium extract on E. faecalis and stability of this extract in thermal condition, we may purify this extract and use it for treatment of infections.

Persian shallot, Allium hirtifolium Boiss, induced apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

This study investigated the potential of Persian shallot extract as an anticancer agent in HepG2 tumor cell line, an in vitro human hepatoma cancer model system. The inhibitory effect of Persian shallot on the growth of HepG2 cells was measured by MTT assay. To explore the underlying mechanism of cell growth inhibition of Persian shallot, the activity of Persian shallot in inducing apoptosis was investigated through the detection of annexin V signal by flow cytometry and expression of some apoptosis related genes such p21, p53, puma, caspase-8 family-Bcl-2 proteins like bid, bim, bcl-2 and bax were measured by real-time PCR in HepG2 cells. Persian shallot extract inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 value (inhibiting cell growth by 50%) was 149μg/ml. The results of real-time PCR revealed a significant up-regulation of bid, bim, caspase-8, puma, p53, p21 and bax genes and a significant downregulation of bcl-2 gene in HepG2 cells treated with Persian shallot extract significantly. Therefore, this is the first report on an increased expression of bid, bim, caspase-8, puma, p53, p21 and bax genes and down regulation of bcl-2 gene indicating that the Persian shallot extract possibly induced the process of cell death through the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways and triggers the programmed cell death in HepG2 tumor cell lines by modulating the expression of pro-/anti-apoptotic genes. Furthermore, we showed that Persian shallot extract increased annexin V signal and expression, resulting in apoptotic cell death of HepG2 cells after 24h treatment. Therefore, according to the results of this study, the Persian shallot extract could be considered as a potential candidate for production of drug for the prevention or treatment of human hepatoma.