Echium Amoenum Research Articles

Antibacterial and antifungal effects of evening primrose "Oenothera biennis L." and Borage "Echium amoenum Fisch. & C.A.Mey. oils

Antibacterial and antifungal effects of evening primrose "Oenothera biennis L." and Borage "Echium amoenum Fisch. & C.A.Mey. oils

Prevention of selenite-induced cataractogenesis by hydroalchoholic extract of Echium amoenum: An experimental evaluation of the Iranian traditional eye medication

Prevention of selenite-induced cataractogenesis by hydroalchoholic extract of Echium amoenum: An experimental evaluation of the Iranian traditional eye medication

Photoimmunological properties of borage in bovine neutrophil in vitro model

Borage (Echium amoenum fisch) is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants, and has long been used as a traditional herbal medicine for many (non)infectious diseases in Iran. Study on photoredox and photoimmunology of borage is little. Natural immunomodulatory plants with minimal adverse/toxic effects could help boost animal health and, ultimately, public health. To determine the effect of borage on the functions of key circulating innate immune cells, effects of borage extract (BE) on bovine neutrophils (PMN) photoredox and phagocytosis events were evaluated using an in vitro model system. Blood PMN isolated from healthy high yielding dairy cows (n=8/treatment) were pre-incubated with BE and the impact on phagocytosis-dependent-and-independent cellular chemiluminescence (CL), phagocytosis, killing of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), fluorescence-based PMN H2O2 production and necrosis were assessed. Relative to control (no BE) PMN, treatment with BE significantly increased phagocytosis-dependent-and-independent PMN CL (>10–15% increase). While BE also led to increased PMN H2O2 production, necrosis was also surprisingly higher in these cells. Phagocytosis and killing of both E. coli and S. aureus by PMN treated with BE was substantially higher than that by control PMN. The increased photoimmunobiological events especially intracellular CL, intracellular H2O2 formation, and phagocytic capacity of BE-treated PMN support the potential immunotherapeutic implications of borage and its components for particularly immunocompromised animals and humans.

Comparative effect of Nickel and beta-aminobutiric Acid on some Secondary Metabolits of Echium amoenum

Plants have a wonderful variety of secondary metabolites which may be change due to environmental factors and stress conditions. Considering the importance of Echium amoenum in Iranian traditional medicine, this study aimed to investigate the effect of abiotic stresses on the possibility of further production of secondary metabolites in the plant. In general, according our research findings, beta-aminobutyric acid increased growth indexes. Effect of BABA on secondary metabolites was different. BABA increased plant flavonoids but reduced the tannins. Numerous studies have pointed to the stress effects of this material at high concentrations but the concentrations used in this study increased the plant growth. Nickel in applied concentrations had no significant reduction in plant dry weight but increased the photosynthetic pigments. Ni increased plant flavonoids but reduced the tannins. Nickel and beta-aminobutyric acid at low concentrations, is recommended to use for greater production of secondary metabolites in Echium cultivation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i5.12687

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Echium amoenum on glycemic control and body weight of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Rats

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Echium amoenum on glycemic control and body weight of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Rats

Effect of Excess nickel On the Growth and Germination of Echium Amoenum (Fisch & CA Mey)

Increasing environmental pollutant, especially heavy metals, is due to the industrialization of human societies. Nickel as one of the essential micronutrients in plants is necessary for normal plant growth and development but in high concentrations- As a heavy metal- exhibits toxicity. In this study the effect of different concentrations of Ni (0, 100, 300µM) was studied on germination, growth and some biochemical parameters of echium amouneum under controlled conditions. Based on these results, Ni had no significant effect on germination. In general, there was a decrease in growth parameters such as fresh and dry weights of aerial parts and roots, relative growth rate (RGR).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i2.12060 International Journal of Life Sciences 9 (2) : 2015; 33-38

Cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of Echium amoenum anthocyanin-rich extract in human endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Echium amoenum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. is used for the treatment of various diseases in traditional medicine. This plant is a major source of anthocyanins with beneficial cardiovascular properties such as anti-atherosclerotic and antihypertensive effects. In the present study, the protective and antioxidant effects of anthocyanin-rich E. amoenum extract were evaluated on human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) under oxidative stress. Cell viability and oxidative status were assessed on H2O2-induced oxidative stress (0.5 mM H2O2 for 2 h) in HUVECs pretreated by anthocyanin-rich extract from the petals of E. amoenum (25-1000 µg/ml). Cytoprotective effect of the extract was evaluated by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The hydroperoxides concentration and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were assessed in intra- and extra-cellular fluid of pretreated cells. Pretreatment of HUVECs with E. amoenum extract at the concentrations of 100-1000 µg/ml reduced the cell death resulted from the exposure to H2O2 in a concentration-dependent manner. E. amoenum extract decreased hydroperoxides concentration and increased FRAP value in both intra- and extra-cellular fluid at different concentration ranges. Moreover, it did not show cytotoxic effects at the concentration range of 25-1000 µg/ml. These results suggest antioxidant and protective effect of anthocyanin-rich extract of the petals of E. amoenum against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HUVECs. However, further investigations are needed for understanding the detailed mechanisms of cytoprotective effects of this traditional herbal medicine.

Evaluation of the antibacterial effect of Echium amoenum Fisch. et Mey. against multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains isolated from burn wound infection

Introduction and aims: Acinetobacter baumannii in recent decay has become an increasing concern in hospitals for its ability to acquire antibiotic resistance determinants rapidly and becoming resistant to almost all of the antibiotic classes. Borage (Echium amoenum Fisch. et Mey), is a wild annual plant of Boraginaceae family, grows in northern mountains of Iran and has largely been used by Iranian folk as a mood enhancer, anti anxiolytic, anti inflammatory, a laxative, an emollients and also it has been used for treatment of infectious diseases. So, in this study the methanolic extract of dried flowers of Echium amoenom were tested against the isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii from wound of burn patients. Materials and methods: 30 drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains which were isolated from burn wounds at the Motahari hospital of Tehran were selected. Antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract was evaluated by the disc diffusion method based on CLSI protocol 2012 Results: The mean diameter of the inhibition zone for different extracts were; 9.967±6.139 mm at the concentration of 4000 ppm, at the concentration of 400 ppm 13.37±5.45 mm, 13.53±5.49 mm at the concentration of 200 ppm, 14.77±5.17mm at the concentration of 100 ppm and 14.13±5.7806mm at the concentration of 50 ppm. Conclusion: clinical strains of the A. baumannii were almost highly resistant to imipenem which is the common choice of antibiotic therapy in the hospitals. Due to the calculated p value ≤ 0.05 in this study, it can say that borage extract can be as good as or even better than the imipenem which is used in the hospitals now.

Essential oil constituents and fatty acids in Echium amoenum grown wild in Iran

This study was led with the purpose of evaluating the essential oil constituents of flower and Fatty acids in seeds of Echium amoenum grown wild in Iran. Flower essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation using Clevenger type apparatus during approximately 3 hours and analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Fifty three components were identified in E. amoenum flowers. The main components of the oil were n-Tricosane (33.92%), n-Pentacosane (21.09%), Palmitic acid (18.91%), Linoleic acid (3.51%) and Pulegone (2.20%). The oil of seeds was extracted by soxelet and analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Twenty one fatty acids were identified in E. amoenum seed oil that the main components were, Linoleic Acid (c18:3, Alpha) (33.64%), Linoleic Acid (c18:2,c-c) (21.25%), Oleic Acid (c18:1,c) (17.94%), Palmitic Acid (c16:0) (7.82%), Gadoleic Acid (c20:1) (6.78%), Linoleic Acid (c18:3,Gamma) (5.88%) and Steric Acid (c18:0) (5.14%).

Protective effects of Echium amoenum Fisch. and C.A. Mey. against cerebral ischemia in the rats.

Background:This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Echium amoenum total anthocyanin extract (ETAE) on partial/transient cerebral ischemia in the rats.Materials and Methods:Rats received ETAE (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 min before the induction of cerebral ischemia. Cerebral ischemia was induced by bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion (BCCAO) for 30 min, followed by 72 h reperfusion. The neurological deficit, brain performance, and sensory motor function were assessed 48 h and 72 h after surgery. After sacrification, the brains were evaluated for myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and histopathological changes.Results:Our results showed that motor function significantly decreased in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) group as compared to the sham group. Histopathological analysis exhibited the shrinkage and atrophy of the neurons in I/R group. ETAE at the dose of 200 mg/kg improved spontaneous activity and memory induced by cerebral ischemia compared to the control group and also decreased brain MPO activity following cerebral ischemia. However, it could not affect the ability to climbing, body proprioception, vibrissae touch and brain water content. In addition, pretreatment with ETAE at higher doses significantly reduced ischemia-induced neuronal loss of the brain.Conclusion:The anthocyanin rich fraction from E. amoenum was found to have protective effects against some brain damages postischemic reperfusion. However, further researches are required for investigating the exact mechanisms of the effect of this plant in the prevention of cerebral ischemia in human.

Aqueous Extract of Echium amoenum Elevate CSF Serotonin and Dopamine Level in Depression rat

Based on a traditional belief, Echium amoenum (Boraginaceae) dried flowers are used in Iran as an anxiolytic remedy and also as a mood enhancer. But interfering mechanisms unknown, In this study, efficacy of an aqueous extract of E.amoenum in depressive rat was evaluated, using measurement the changes level CSF serotonin and dopamine as indicator mood. Four groups of male wistar rats each group of seven rats were enrolled in this study. Depressive induced with intraperitoneal injection of reserpine (5mg/kg) and assessment depression by swimming test, the next two weeks of oral performing aqueous extract Echium amoenum, CSF serotonin and dopamine concentration of rats were measured using ELISA kit. Our finding indicated, performing aqueous extract Echium amoenum increased CSF serotonin and dopamine concentration in depression rats. The level of CSF serotonin enhanced in control group receiving Echium amoenum compared control group alone. These results showed the serious changes of neurotransmitters due to Echium amoenum which can be translated as mood enhancer. It can be concluded, Echium amoenum induce antidepressant effective in part by increasing level CSF serotonin and dopamine.

Supercritical extraction of essential oil from Echium amoenum seed : Experimental, modeling and genetic algorithm parameter estimation

Mathematical modeling of supercritical CO2 extraction of essential oil from Echium amoenum seed was carried out. The effect of process variables such as pressure (15, 20, 25 and 30 MPa), temperature (313, 318, 323 and 328 K) and CO2 flow rate (0.6, 0.9, 1.2 and 1.5 ml/min) on the recovery of essential oil extraction was investigated in a series of experiments conducted in a laboratory scale apparatus. The chemical composition of recovered essential oil (fatty acids) was analyzed by GC-FID. The mathematical model was developed utilizing diffusion-controlled regime in the pore and film mass transfer resistances with axial dispersion of the mobile phase at dynamic conditions. Henry's law was used to describe the equilibrium state of solid and pore fluid phases. The obtained mass transfer equations for the mobile and stationary phases were solved using the numerical explicit method of line, and the modeling pre- dictions of oil extraction recovery were validated via comparison with experimental data. Genetic algorithm (GA) was applied to estimate the optimum value of the Henry constant. Finally, applying the validated model the extraction re- covery was investigated as a function of effective variables such as dynamic extraction time and supercritical fluid temperature, pressure and flow rate. A set of optimal operating conditions were determined via modeling parametric analysis to achieve the objective function of maximum recovery.

Evaluation of capability of in vitro micropropagation in Iranian medicinal plant Echium amoenum Fish. and C.A. Mey

Evaluation of capability of in vitro micropropagation in Iranian medicinal plant Echium amoenum Fish. and C.A. Mey

Effect of Echium amoenum extract on the growth rate and fermentation parameters of Mehraban lambs

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Echium amoenum extract (EAE) supplementation at four levels 0 (control), 0.3 (E2), 1.5 (E3) or 3 (E4) ml/kg DM on the growth rate, and rumen ecosystem of Mehraban lambs. Forty-eight, six month old male growing lambs (initial average live weight of 32.1±3.9kg) were randomly assigned according to a completely randomized design to receive different levels of EAE. Growth rate, rumen fermentation parameters, protozoa, cellulolytic bacteria, apparent diet digestibility and nitrogen retention were evaluated. Inclusion of EAE decreased ammonia-N concentration in rumen liquor (quadratic (Q), P=0.047) at two days of sampling (day of sampling 35, DS35, and day of sampling 70, DS70). However, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) (DS35, linear (L), P=0.027; DS70, control vs. EAE, P=0.018) and propionate (C3) (DS35, L, P=0.023; DS70, Q, P=0.011) concentrations were increased and acetate (C2) (DS35, control vs. EAE, P=0.026; DS70, L, P=0.001) and C2:C3 decreased by the addition of EAE at both sampling times. EAE showed a defaunating activity, since the total protozoal population and Entodininnae subfamily decreased considerably (L, P<0.0001). Nitrogen retention was increased by EAE supplementation (Q, P=0.008). It is concluded that EAE improved ruminal fermentation through increasing MP and decreasing ammonia-N concentration, C2:C3 ratio and protozoal population. However, it failed to improve apparent diet digestibility and growth rate of Mehraban lambs.

Plant-Based Medicines for Anxiety Disorders, Part 2: A Review of Clinical Studies with Supporting Preclinical Evidence

Research in the area of herbal psychopharmacology has revealed a variety of promising medicines that may provide benefit in the treatment of general anxiety and specific anxiety disorders. However, a comprehensive review of plant-based anxiolytics has been absent to date. Thus, our aim was to provide a comprehensive narrative review of plant-based medicines that have clinical and/or preclinical evidence of anxiolytic activity. We present the article in two parts. In part one, we reviewed herbal medicines for which only preclinical investigations for anxiolytic activity have been performed. In this current article (part two), we review herbal medicines for which there have been both preclinical and clinical investigations of anxiolytic activity. A search of MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, Scopus and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted (up to 28 October 2012) for English language papers using the search terms 'anxiety' OR 'anxiety disorder' OR 'generalized anxiety disorder' OR 'social phobia' OR 'post-traumatic stress disorder' OR 'panic disorder' OR 'agoraphobia' OR 'obsessive compulsive disorder' in combination with the search terms 'Herb*' OR 'Medicinal Plants' OR 'Botanical Medicine' OR 'Chinese herb*', in addition to individual herbal medicines. This search of the literature revealed 1,525 papers, of which 53 plants were included in the review (having at least one study using the whole plant extract). Of these plants, 21 had human clinical trial evidence (reviewed here in part two), with the other 32 having solely preclinical evidence (reviewed in part one). Support for efficacy was found for chronic use (i.e. greater than one day) of the following herbs in treating a range of anxiety disorders in human clinical trials: Piper methysticum, Matricaria recutita, Ginkgo biloba, Scutellaria lateriflora, Silybum marianum, Passiflora incarnata, Withania somniferum, Galphimia glauca, Centella asiatica, Rhodiola rosea, Echinacea spp., Melissa officinalis and Echium amoenum. For several of the plants studied, conclusions need to be tempered due to methodological issues such as small sample sizes, brief intervention durations and non-replication. Current evidence does not support Hypericum perforatum or Valeriana spp. for any anxiety disorder. Acute anxiolytic activity was found for Centella asiatica, Salvia spp., Melissa officinalis, Passiflora incarnata and Citrus aurantium. Bacopa monnieri has shown anxiolytic effects in people with cognitive decline. The therapeutic application of psychotropic plant-based treatments for anxiety disorders is also discussed, specifically Psychotria viridis and Banisteriopsis caarti (ayahuasca), Psilocybe spp. and cannabidiol-enriched (low tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9)-THC)) Cannabis spp.

The use of endemic Iranian plant, Echium amoenum, against the ethyl methanesulfonate and the recovery of mutagenic effects

In this study, potential genotoxic effects of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) that caused mutagenicity in a variety of organisms were tried to resolve by the methanol and chloroform extract of Echium amoenum (EAmet and EAchl) Fisch. & C.A. Mey. from the family of Boraginaceae, which is an endemic plant, and is used as an alternative treatment among public in Iran. Somatic mutation and recombination test with Drosophila wing was used to determine the genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects in our investigations. For this purpose, 3-day-old transheterozygous larvae of mwh/flr(3) genotype of Drosophila melanogaster were used in all our experiments. The larvae were fed chronically on the Drosophila instant medium (DIM) including 1ppm EMS. However, in another application group, different concentrations (1, 2 and 4ppm) of EAmet and EAchl were added to DIM including 1ppm EMS (EMS+EAmet and EMS+EAchl). Then, for the matured individuals, wing preparates were prepared within the mediums that include control group that has only DIM, negative control group that contains dimethyl sulfoxide and application groups in different concentrations that contain EMS, EMS+EAmet and EMS+EAchl. Clone induction frequency for the normal wing phenotype of EMS application group was observed to be 2.00. In the EMS+EAmet application group, the value of 1ppm EAmet is 1.49, value of 2ppm EAmet is 1.08 and value of 4ppm EAmet is 0.72; in the EMS+EAchl application group, the value of 1ppm is EAchl 1.33, value of 2ppm EAchl is 0.67 and value of 4ppm EAchl is 0.56 were determined. This decrease observed between EMS and all application groups in terms of total induction frequency is statistically significant (p<0.05). These results concluded that chloroform extracts were more effective than the methanol extracts of E. amoenum.

Effect of Echium amoenum Fisch. et Mey a Traditional Iranian Herbal Remedy in an Experimental Model of Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a morbid inflammatory condition of pancreas with limited specific therapy. Enhanced oxidative stress plays an important role in induction and progression of acute pancreatitis. So reducing oxidative stress may relieve this pathogenic process. Echium amoenum Fisch. and Mey has been implemented in Iranian folk medicine for several centuries. Antioxidant, analgesic, immunomodulatory, and anxiolytic properties of E. amoenum suggest that this plant may have beneficial effects in the management of acute pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of petals of E. amoenum extract (EAE) on a murine model of pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis was induced by five intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cerulein (50 μg/kg) with 1h intervals which was characterized by pancreatic inflammation and increase in the serum level of digestive enzymes, in comparison to normal mice. EAE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) was administered i.p., 30 minutes before induction of pancreatitis. Pretreatment with EAE (400 mg/kg) reduced significantly the inflammatory response of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis by ameliorating pancreatic edema, amylase and lipase serum levels, proinflammatory cytokines, myeloperoxidase activity, lipid peroxidation and pathological alteration. These results show that EAE attenuates the severity of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis with an anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects.

Anxiolytic and Hypnotic Effects of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Aerial Parts of Echium italicum L. in Mice

Research in the area of herbal psychopharmacology has clearly improved in recent decades. Self-administration of herbal medicines has been the most popular therapeutic alternative to standard medicine. Since the extract of Echium amoenum exhibits an anxiolytic effect, the aim of this study is to evaluate the anxiolytic and hypnotic effects in mice of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of E. italicum, a member of the Boraginaceae family. Mice were administered the agents intraperitoneally before the start of the experiments for evaluation of hypnotic activity (induced by sodium pentobarbital, 30 mg/kg, i.p.), anxiolytic activity (elevated plus-maze [EPM] test), locomotor activity (open field test), and motor coordination (rotarod test). The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of E. italicum, at doses of 1.2 and 2.1 g/kg, increased the percentage of time-spent and the percentage of arm entries in the open arms of the EPM and decreased the percentage of time-spent in the closed arms of the EPM. Moreover, both extracts decreased the pentobarbital-induced latency to sleep and significantly increased the total sleeping time induced by pentobarbital. In addition, locomotor activity was affected by aqueous extracts and ethanolic extract (at higher doses). Both extracts showed no effect in the rotarod test. These results suggest that both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of E. italicum may have anxiolytic effects and sedative activity but no effect on muscle relaxation.

Delta-6 desaturase makes a different fatty acid profile of seed oil in Iranian borage (Echium amoenum Fisch. and Mey.)

Iranian borage (Echium amoenum) from Boraginaceae is a valuable medicinal plant native to Iran and Syria. We determined fatty acid profile and individual fatty acid contents in E. amoenum seed oil using gas chromatography. Nevertheless, the cumulative amount of ω-6 and ω-3 fatty acids in E. amoenum (78.5 %) was in great accordance with those of other species of Echium, Stearidonic acid (SDA, C18:4ω3) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, C18:3ω6) constituted only 9.7 % of seed oil in this plant. This observation elucidated the weak activity of delta-6 desaturase (D6DES) in E. amoenum compared with D6DESs of other species. As D6DES enzyme is responsible for converting linoleic acid (LA, C18:2ω6) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3ω3) to GLA and SDA, we isolated coding sequence of D6DES gene and characterized primary structure of the translated protein to probably find some evidences explaining the weak activity of D6DES enzyme in E. amoenum. Gene sequence from E. amoenum showed a high identity of 94–96 % with the other Echium species and the amino acid homology increased by 98 %. All the expected signatures including cytochrome b5 domain and three conserved histidine-rich motifs were found in the translated amino acid sequence. Protein alignment revealed that all the conserved motifs in D6DES sequence from E. amoenum are coincident with its counterparts from other Echium species. However, secondary structure of the enzyme deduced from its primary structure using computational simulation represented obvious differences with D6DES proteins of the other species.

A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Aqueous Extract of Echium amoenum for Patients with General Anxiety Disorder.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of the aqueous extract of Echium amoenum in combination with SSRIs in patients with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The study was an 8-week double-blind randomized clinical trial. Thirty-seven adult outpatients who met the DSM-IV-TR criteria for GAD based on the structured clinical interview participated in the trial. In this study, patients were randomly assigned to receive the aqueous extract (500 mg) plus fluoxetine or fluoxetine (20 mg/day) plus placebo. The results showed significant difference between the two groups in the treatment of GAD. Moreover, there was not any significant difference between the two groups in terms of observed side effects. E. amoenum is effective on anxiety disorder, especially in higher dosage, without any serious side effects.