Iranian Herbs Research Articles

Mycorrhizal Colonization Modulates the Essential Oil Profile and Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Antioxidants to Mitigate the Adverse Effects of Water Deficit in Salvia subg. Perovskia.

Among traditional Iranian herbs, Perovskia species (a subgenus of Salvia), while being valued ornamentals, are also studied for numerous potential pharmacological and therapeutic aspects. The current study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of two species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizophagus intraradices, separately and in combination, in terms of the essential oil content and compositions along with the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in Salvia abrotanoides and S. yangii in response to three levels of irrigation, including 100% FC as well-watered, 75% FC (moderate irrigation deficit), and 50% FC (severe irrigation deficit). In both species, essential oil content, enzyme antioxidant activities, total phenolics, and flavonoids were increased significantly with the severity of stress; this increase was more pronounced in mycorrhizal inoculated herbs. Furthermore, leaf phosphorus concentration, relative water content, chlorophylls a and b, and total carotenoids decreased in parallel with reducing soil moisture; albeit, AMF inoculation improved the stress symptoms under increasing severity of water restriction compared with their control conditions. In addition, the percentage of root colonization was positively correlated with the relative water content (RWC) and leaf phosphorus concentration. Taking into account the essential oil groups, AMF colonization elevated some essential oil components, such as oxygenated monoterpenes, 1,8-cineol, camphor, and borneol, whereas the main sesquiterpenes, including E-β-caryophyllene and α-humulene, remarkably decreased. Taken together, these findings highlighted the role of symbiosis with AMFs in increasing the tolerance of water deficit stress in S. abrotanoides and S. yangii and improving their essential oil composition.

ICP-OES assessment of trace and toxic elements in Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. from Iran by chemometric approaches.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentrations of some essential and toxic elements (including Ca, K, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Co, Mo, Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cd) in Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. (endemic Iranian herb) from 14 different regions by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry) method followed by multivariate statistical analyses. The analytical performances were assessed as the limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), precision, and accuracy. Multivariate analysis (CA, PCA and HCA) showed the elemental distribution in the roots were higher than the shoots and significant element was Ca between regions. Three principal components (PCs) explained 77.94% of the total variance. They were as follows: PC1 with Cu, Zn, K, Cr, Ni, and Mn; PC2 with Na, Ca, Pb, and Fe; and PC3 with Mg. Hierarchical cluster analysis indicated four groups of Z. clinopodioides samples from the 14 regions based on their trace and toxic element levels. These chemometric approaches with multivariate analysis enable researchers to understand and quantify the relationship between the variables in a data set, and the analysisconsiders more than one factor. The concentrations of Cu, Na, Mn, Zn, and Pb in most Z. clinopodioides samples were below the WHO (world health organization) limit for herbal medicines (10, 51,340, 200, 50, and 10µgg-1 respectively), while Fe and Ca levels were higher than allowed (15 and 614µgg-1 respectively). However, the WHO limit for Mg, K, Co, and Mo in medicinal plants has not yet been determined. The results of this study confirmed that different parts of Z. clinopodioides can be used as an important source for human nutrition due to its essential mineral elements.

Iranian Native Medicinal Plants Affecting Staphylococcus aureus as Septic Pathogens: An updated Review

Staphylococcus aureus is the second leading pathogenic cause of nosocomial infections and plays an important role in the development of food poisoning and purulent, systemic and nosocomial infections. This bacterium is responsible for infections such as abscess, food poisoning, third grade burns, traumatic ulcers, surgical incisions, bed sores or atrophic ulcers. Long-term use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains in infectious diseases. Due to increased resistance of bacteria to chemical drugs and the few side effects of medicinal plants, medicinal plants have nowadays attracted much more attention of researchers. In this regard, studies have been done on the effectiveness of medicinal plants against infectious agents such as S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Therefore, in this review study, native Iranian herbs that are effective on S. aureus were reported. In this review study, search terms including Staphylococcus aureus, herbs, extracts and essential oils were used to retrieve articles indexed in databases such as the Institute for Scientific Information, PubMed, Scopus, Scientific Information Database, Magiran, and Google Scholar. Garlic, pomegranate, Anethum graveolens, coriander, eucalyptus, Lawsonia inermis, Descurainia sophia, Figworts, artemisia, thyme, etc. are some of the most important anti-staphylococcal herbs.

Investigation of Phytochemical Variability, Antioxidant Activity and Ecological Conditions of Native Iranian Glycyrrhiza glabra L.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) as a strategic and highly valuable medicinal plant in Iran with numerous beneficial pharmaceutical properties contributes substantially to Iranian herbs exports. In the present study, a variation on the phytochemical and antioxidant activity of 25 populations of valuable and profitable medicinal plant of G. glabra was investigated. The climate variables and soil properties were evaluated in various habitates of G. glabra. Total phenol (Folin–Ciocalteu method), total flavonoid (Aluminum Chloride method), anthocyanin (pH difference method) and antioxidant activity (DPPH method) were studied. Glycyrrhizic acid, glabridin, liquiritigenin and liquiritin content of root were evaluated by liquid chromatography. The content of major components in G. glabra varied in different regions. Outstanding quantitative variability of glycyrrhizic acid, glabridin, liquiritin and liquiritigenin content were observed in roots of licorice from different regions of Iran. Glycyrrhizic acid content was varied from 93.89 (mg/g dry weight) for the Sepidan population to 20.68 (mg/g dry weight) for the Ahar population. The maximum and minimum amounts of glabridin were recorded in Kashmar and Bajgah populations, respectively. The highest levels of liquritin and liquiritigenin were in the population of Kazerun and Yasuj, respectively, and the lowest was observed in Kashmar. Also, the highest antioxidant activity (the lowest IC50) for licorice root was associated with Semirom population. In conclusion, The populations with high amount of each active ingredient in licorice root and those with considerable antioxidant activity can be exploited depending on the purpose of breeding and cultivation.

Bakhtiari savory (Satureja bachtiarica Bunge.) essential oil and its chemical profile, antioxidant activities, and leaf micromorphology under green and conventional extraction techniques

Bakhtiari savory (Satureja bachtiarica Bunge.) belonging to the Lamiaceae family is an important Iranian herb, which its leaves is used as herbal medicine, spice, and nutraceuticalS. bachtiarica is widly distributed in the central Zagros Mountains of Iran. The essential oil from the aerial parts of the herb contains significant amounts of phenolic compounds. The effects of two extraction techniques, including the traditional hydro-distillation (HD) and microwave-assisted steam hydro-diffusion (MSHD) on some properties of quantity and quality essential oil and the antioxidant activities (DPPH and FRAP assays) of the essential oils and micromorphology of the plant leaves (Scanning Electron Microscopy, SEM) were investigated. The maximum amounts of oxygenated monoterpenes and active phenolic compounds with the highest level antioxidant activities were obtained from the HD technique after 150 min and the MSHD technique after 20 min. The same essential oil yield was achieved from both extraction techniques (1.8 ± 0.012 v/w dry weight basis). Results of SEM images of the leaves showed that 60, 90, and 150 min after extraction by the HD and 10, 20, and 75 min after extraction by the MSHD visible physical changes at different rupture degrees were obtained. The HD technique after 150 min extraction and the MSHD after 20 min, the oil glands rich in essential oil in the leaves were completely ruptured. In conclusion, the microwave-assisted steam hydro-diffusion technique with high quantity and quality of essential oil, saving time, energy consumption, and reduction of waste water (environmental impacts) in comparison to the traditional method, it can be as a green technique and suitable for extraction of essential oil, usable in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Genetic structure and variation in Iranian licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) populations based on morphological, phytochemical and simple sequence repeats markers

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) as a strategic and highly valuable medicinal plant in Iran with numerous beneficial pharmaceutical properties contributes substantially to Iranian herbs exports. In the present study, variation of cultivated licorice populations was assessed via morphological, phytochemical and simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers. A remarkable variation among cultivated populations of G. glabra in terms of morphological and phytochemical characteristics was found. Maximum coefficient of variance was observed in leaf attributes such as leaf width (CV = 34.6 %) and leaf length (CV = 32.7 %) among different populations. Minimum (11.7 mg/g Dry Weight (DW)) and maximum (74.0 mg/g DW) amount of glycyrrhizic acid were observed in Haji Abad and Eghlid populations, respectively. High levels of glabridin content were allocated to Kashmar (4.0 mg/g DW), Ahar (3.0 mg/g DW) and Ilam (2.9 mg/g DW) populations. Nine EST-SSR primers were applied to analyze the genetic variation of 162 individuals of 28 licorice populations. In total 46 bands were obtained from 9 SSR markers with 24 bands being polymorphic (52.2 %). The polymorphic information content (PIC) for markers ranged from 0.32 (SSR-25053) to 0.61 (SSR-20631), with an average of 0.50. The analysis of the molecular variance (AMOVA) of the licorice populations demonstrated that 82.0 % of variability was related to the intra-population level, while the diversity among populations amounted to 18.0 %. Ultimately, the results of this investigation create guidelines such as the identification of glycyrrhizic acid/glabridin rich-clones and genetically separated clones for deliberate interbreeding and further examinations as a subset of breeding programs.

Aromatherapy with Iranian Herbal Medicines for Premenstrual Syndrome and Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is painful bleeding in the absence of any confirmed pelvic disorder, which is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and headache. The tendency of patients to use herbal and alternative medicine is more than the past. Regarding the fact that no meta-analytical study has been done to evaluate aromatherapy with Iranian herbal medicines, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of aromatherapy with different herbs on premenstrual syndrome andprimary dysmenorrhea. Materials and Methods: English and Persian electronic databases were systematically searched without any time limit until May 5, 2019. The references of review articles and clinical trials were also reviewed. Two authors independently reviewed the titles and abstracts, if the subject of the article was relevant, the full article was extracted and criticized. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software was used to conduct meta-analysis. Results: Finally, 14 studies were entered into a meta-analysis. The mean standard difference between two groups of aromatherapy with different plants and control group was -1.06 (95%CI: -1.33 to -0.848; p<0.001). Aromatherapy with roses (SMD=-1.35; 95%CI= -0.01 to -2.69; p=0.048), and aromatherapy with lavender (SMD= -1.08; 95% CI: -0.73 to -1.43; p<0.001) compared to the control group had better effect in reduction of pain severity. According to three studies, aromatherapy with Geranium 2% essential oil, Citrus aurantium blossom essential oil, and Rosa damascena were more effective than control group regarding mental and physical signs. Conclusion This meta-analysis showed that aromatherapy with different Iranian herbs such as lavender and rose could significantly reduce primary dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome. This treatment can be used specifically in patients who cannot tolerate conventional treatments.

The influence of traditional Iranian and Chinese medicine on western and islamic countries

Traditional Chinese and Iranian medicine are ancient medical and health care systems that still forms an important part of diagnosis and treatment systems in Iran, China and other parts of the world. The integration of these two systems and modern biomedicine is also an important issue. Iranian and Chinese traditional medicines recommended for health promotion and well-being. Chinese herbal drugs have been described by medieval Muslim medical scholars such as Tabari, Rhazes, Haly Abbas, Avicenna and Jurjani (1137 CE). Traditional Chinese and Iranian medicine play an important role in sustainable agriculture and food systems, it also offers a holistic approach to prevent diseases while making appropriate use of organic and herbal products especially growth by small-scale family farmers. Both Iranian and Chinese traditional medicines may help to balance temperature, and both can be health prevention and preservation. Traditional healing practices consist of Islamic religious text based practices, Islamic worship practices and folk healing practices, Islamic religious text based practices are included spiritual healing, medicinal herbs, applied therapy and dietary prescriptions. At present, herbal medications or related products in the global market are derived from Chinese herbs, Indian herbs, Iranian herbs, Arabic herbs, and Western herbs. Herbal remedies may also be classified into three categories, namely, modern herbs, theoretical herbs, and empirical herbs, in accordance with their nature/characteristics and the nature of current usage. Traditional Chinese&#x0D; Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2019, 5(2): 94-99

Surgery and Medicinal Plants: A review of important indigenous medicinal plants of Iran for burn wound healing

Surgical Science is one of the branches of medical science that deals with surgical and medicinal interventions, which can cure surgical wounds, cuts, burns and so on. The accelerated recovery process has always been a concern for surgeons and physicians. Standard local antibiotic drugs such as silver nitrate, mafenide acetate, sulfadiazine silver and AgNO3 are also used to treat wounds which are associated with some complications. Considering the fact that no effective herbal remedy has been introduced for wound healing, the purpose of this review is to investigate and identify indigenous Iranian herbs used for wound healing after surgery, especially burn wounds. In this systematic review paper, published articles in the period 1952 to 2017 with keywords of surgery, wound healing, burns, herbs, etc. from databases such as SID, MEDLIB, ProQuest, Magiran, Europe PubMed Central and Google Scholar. Abstract and title of all articles were studied and non-relevant articles were deleted and remaining articles were used for review. Based on the results of the study, Malva sylvestris, Camellia sinensis, Aloe vera, Cydonia oblonga, Scrophularia striata, Centella asiatica, Arnebia euchroma, Calendula officinalis and Hypericum perforatum are the most important herbal remedies for burn restoration. The following is an explanation of the most important herbal remedies for native burn wounds in Iran.

Phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of extracts from two spice herbs under different extraction solvents

Mountain fennel (Zaravschanicamembranacea) and Ferulagoangulata belonging to the Apiaceae family are important aromatic and spice plants in Iran, which the aerial parts of these herbs are used as flavoring agents in dairy foods. This investigation was devoted to the determination of total phenols and flavonoids contents of Z.membranacea and F.angulata after their extraction using three solvents (ethanol, n-hexane, and methanol), as well as the determination of the antioxidant and the antibacterial activities of all obtained extracts. The results indicated that methanol appeared the most effective solvent for polyphenols and flavonoids’ extraction for both herbs. In fact, the highest total phenols and flavonoids contents among the six prepared extracts from two herbs were found in the methanol extract of Z.membranacea. The results indicated that the extracts of have diverse antioxidant capacities, however, the methanol extract of Z.membranacea exhibited the highest antioxidant activities by DPPH, FRAP and ABTS assays. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of different extracts was evaluated using the disk diffusion agar method against Salmonellaenterica and Pseudomonasaeruginosa, and Bacillussubtilis and Staphylococcusepidermidis. The highest inhibition zone was obtained from the methanol extract of Z.membranacea for four bacteria. Similarly, the maximum antibacterial activity (MIC) also was obtained from the methanol extract of Z.membranacea for four bacteria. Positive and significant correlations were noted between the phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities by DPPH, FRAP, and TEAC assays. In conclusion, methanol was found to be the best solvent of choice for the extraction of phenolic and flavonoid compounds rich extracts with free radical scavenging and antibacterial activities. Further studies should focus on the isolation and identification of active secondary metabolites from the extracts from Iranian herbs.

A screening of anti-breast cancer effects and antioxidant activity of twenty medicinal plants gathered from Chaharmahal va Bakhtyari province, Iran

Context: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers that causes substantial numbers of deaths among women, worldwide. Medicinal plants can be used for discovering new anti-breast cancer drugs. Aim: To investigate the antioxidant effects of twenty Iranian herbs and their anticancer effects against breast cancer cell lines (i.e. MDA-MB231 and MCF-7) compared with a non-cancerous human cell line (HDF). Methods: In this study, the plant samples were collected from different regions of Chaharmahal va Bakhtyari province in Iran and their hydroalcoholic (ethanol: water; 70:30) extracts prepared by maceration method. Antioxidant activity was investigated by DPPH with reference to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Anticancer effects were investigated by MTT colorimetric assay. Results: Most of the plants examined in this study had higher antioxidant activity than that of BHT. Satureja bachtiarica (37.27 ± 1.56 µg/mL), Plantago lanceolata (43.19 ± 4.67 µg/mL), Parietaria judaica (45.34 ± 8.08 µg/mL), Stachys inflata (53.70 ± 1.80 µg/mL), and Euphorbia szovitsii (55.78 ± 1.37 µg/mL) inhibited the DPPH free radicals in the lower concentration compared to BHT (120.48 ± 1.42 µg/mL) and other plants. MTT assay showed that the lowest IC50s values were observed for E. microsciadia and E. szovitsii among the examined plants on both breast cancer cell lines. There was no significant relationship between anticancer effects and antioxidant activity of the plants (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions: The examined plants might be considered as valuable resources of natural compounds that may possess anti-breast cancer properties.

Comparison of Anticancer Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Curcuma longa L., Peganum harmala L., and Boswellia serrata on HeLa cells

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Several native Iranian herbs used in traditional medicine are proven to have cytotoxic effects. Objectives: The present study was designed to compare the anticancer effects of three medicinal herbs, Peganum harmala L., Curcuma longa L., and Boswellia serrata, on a cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). Methods: HeLa cells were exposed to different doses of hydroalcoholic extracts of the three plants (12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. After the incubation period, the modified colorimetric MTT assay was used to determine cytotoxicity. Results: The highest percentage of cell death for P. harmala was observed after 72 hours of incubation, and 50% growth inhibitory concentration (IC50) at 24 hours was 12.5 μg/mL. For B. serrata, the highest percentage of cell death was observed after 72 hours of incubation; IC50 at 24 and 48 hours were 50 μg/mL and 12.5 μg/mL, respectively. C. longa L. had an IC50 of 12.5 μg/mL after 72 hours of incubation. Conclusions: The results of the MTT assay showed that B. serrata and P. harmala L. extracts had time- and dose-dependent cytotoxic effects. However, C. longa L. extracts induced apoptosis only in a time-dependent manner. A higher cytotoxic effect was observed on HeLa cells with P. harmala and B. serrata extracts compared to C. longa extract at all applied concentrations.

Comparison of Anticancer Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Curcuma longa L., Peganum harmala L., and Boswellia serrata on HeLa cells

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Several native Iranian herbs used in traditional medicine are proven to have cytotoxic effects. Objectives: The present study was designed to compare the anticancer effects of three medicinal herbs, Peganum harmala L., Curcuma longa L., and Boswellia serrata, on a cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). Methods: HeLa cells were exposed to different doses of hydroalcoholic extracts of the three plants (12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. After the incubation period, the modified colorimetric MTT assay was used to determine cytotoxicity. Results: The highest percentage of cell death for P. harmala was observed after 72 hours of incubation, and 50% growth inhibitory concentration (IC50) at 24 hours was 12.5 μg/mL. For B. serrata, the highest percentage of cell death was observed after 72 hours of incubation; IC50 at 24 and 48 hours were 50 μg/mL and 12.5 μg/mL, respectively. C. longa L. had an IC50 of 12.5 μg/mL after 72 hours of incubation. Conclusions: The results of the MTT assay showed that B. serrata and P. harmala L. extracts had time- and dose-dependent cytotoxic effects. However, C. longa L. extracts induced apoptosis only in a time-dependent manner. A higher cytotoxic effect was observed on HeLa cells with P. harmala and B. serrata extracts compared to C. longa extract at all applied concentrations.

Correlation of Anticancer Effects of 12 Iranian Herbs on Human breast Adenocarcinoma cells with antioxidant Properties

Introduction: Many of Medicinal plants have been investigated for possible anticancer properties. The correlation cytotoxic effect of herbs with antioxidant activity is unclear, yet. The aim of the present study was to examine the antioxidant contents and anticancer effects of 12 Iranian medicinal plants on proliferation of breast cancer, MCF-7, and epithelial normal, MCf-10A, cells. Methods: Free radical scavenging and total antioxidant capacities of herbal waters assessed by DPPH and FRAP methods, respectively. Their total phenolic contents and cell viability determined by Folin–Ciocalteu and MTT assays, respectively. Results: Among the herbs, group A which contained relatively highest total phenolics content, antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities inhibited significantly greater growth of breast cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner as compared to other groups. These medicinal plants were not cytotoxic components against normal cells. Conclusion: Therefore our results indicated that anti proliferative effects of 12 selected Iranian herbs showed a direct correlation with antioxidant properties. The herbs as natural antioxidants with fewer side effects could potentially improve the outcome of human breast cancer therapy. These findings endorse further investigations on these plants to determine their active metabolites and mode of action.

Antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of some medicinal and aromatic plants used as herbal teas and condiments in Iran.

Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of four Iranian herbs (Lamiaceae) were investigated. The antioxidant activity of methanol extracts of thyme (Thymus daenensis Celak.), Bakhtiari savory (Satureja bachtiarica Bung.), dragonhead (Dracocephalum multicaule Montbr & Auch), and woundwort (Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl.) was evaluated by measuring 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). A comparison of all plant extracts in the DPPH assay indicated that dragonhead and thyme were the most effective free radical scavenging agents. Thyme demonstrated a relatively strong antioxidant activity in both the FRAP and TEAC assays. The total phenolic content of all the extracts ranged from 99 to 208 mg TAE/g extract with thyme exhibiting the highest phenolic content. The flavonoid content of the extracts, which ranged from 10.1 to 22.2 rutin equivalents/g of extract, was highest in dragonhead. A positive correlation was noted between the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in both the FRAP and TEAC assays, while no significant correlation was observed between the DPPH, TEAC, and FRAP assay and total flavonoid, suggesting that the level of antioxidant activity in these plants varies greatly, but the total phenolic in the plant extracts provided a substantial antioxidant activity. Experimental results indicate that thyme and dragonhead extracts could be an important dietary source of phenolic compounds with high antioxidant capacity.

Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils of Iranian Herbs Against Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated from Milk

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oils from three endemic plants including, Thymus daenensis Celak, Dracocephalum multicaule Montbr & Auch., Satureja bachtiarica Bunge and one native plant, Tanacetum polycephalum Schultz-Bip were determined. Volatile oils analyzed using gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The in-vitro antibacterial activity was performed by agar disc diffusion and micro-dilution assays. The results revealed distinct differences in the compounds depending on sample plant. Among the plant species screened, essential oils of S. bachtiarica and T. daenensis showed highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

Reduction in Mutation Frequency of Clarithromycin Resistance by Extracts from Three Iranian Herbs in Helicobacter pylori Isolates

Reduction in Mutation Frequency of Clarithromycin Resistance by Extracts from Three Iranian Herbs in Helicobacter pylori Isolates

Antifungal activity of the essential oil of Iranian medicinal plants

Plant materials continue to play a major role in primary health care as therapeutic remedies in many developing countries. Medicinal plants contain physiologically active principles that over the years have been exploited in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments as they contain anti-microbial properties. Antifungal activities of essential oil of four Iranian herbs including, Thymus daenensis var daenensis Celak, Zataria multiflora Boiss,Thymbra spicata var. spicata L. and Bunium persicum (Boiss.) K.-Pol. were investigated against of Aspergillus niger (PTCC 5298), Aspergillus fumigates (PTCC 5009), Aspergillus flavus (PTCC 5004) and Aspergillus parasiticus (PTCC 5018) by agar disc diffusion assay. Some of the essential oils showed relatively antifungal activity against the tested fungal. Of the herbs studied, the most active extracts were those obtained from essential oil of T.daenensis and T. spicata. The MIC values for active extract ranging between 64 and 256 µg/ml. The results obtained appeared to confirm the antifungal potential of the herbs investigated. The essential oils of T. daenensis and T. spicata could be used as natural antifungal against A. niger, A. fumigates, A. flavus and A. parasiticus in the food preservation and human health. Key words: Iranian medicinal plants, Aspergillus, essential oil, antifungal activity.

An evaluation of native Iranian herbs to combat the pain of dysmenorrhoea

An evaluation of native Iranian herbs to combat the pain of dysmenorrhoea

Evaluation of Analgesic Activity of Eremostachys laciniata in Mice

Eremostachys laciniata (L.) Bunge (family: Lamiaceae) is one of the fifteen endemic Iranian herbs of the genus Eremostachys , and also grows in other central and western Asian countries. In the Iranian traditional medicine, this plant has been used as a local analgesic and as an anti-inflammatory remedy. In the present study, the methanol (MeOH) extract of the rhizomes of E. laciniata as well as the solid-phase extraction (SPE) fractions have been evaluated for their analgesic property in mice using the hot-plate test. All doses of the SPE 20% aq. MeOH fraction (P < 0.01) and the MeOH extract at the doses of 0.5 mg/kg (P < 0.01) and 1 mg/kg (P<0.05) displayed considerable analgesic effects. The analgesic effect of the SPE 20% aq. MeOH fraction (2.5 mg/kg) was more potent than that of the positive control, morphine (9 mg/kg) at 45 min after injection (P<0.001). However, SPE 40% aq. MeOH fraction did not show any analgesic effects at test doses.