Sativum Powder Research Articles

The effect of feed Supplementation with Cannabis sativa on the Growth rate and Development of Broiler Chicks

This experiment was carried out to study the effect of broiler feed supplementation with dry powdered Cannabis sativa on the growth performance of broiler chicks. A total of 25 day-old broiler chicks of similar weight were randomly divided into five equal groups (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5). Each group having 5 chicks. Dry ground Cannabis sativa powder were added to the feed of groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 at the rate of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.8% respectively per kg of feed, while group 1 served as control. The studied parameters were body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR). After an experimental period of 28 days, the data were analyzed statistically. It was revealed from the results that feed intake and body weight gain was significantly higher (P<0.05) in group 5 compared to the control. FCR was significantly better in birds of group 5 compared to controls. Return per chick (in Naira) was lower in group 5 compared to group 2, 3 and 4 (P<0.05) due to the high cost of Cannabis sativa. It was concluded from these results that feed supplementation with Cannabis sativa has a remarkable impact on the growth rate and development of broiler chicks but may not be the best of option due to its restriction and cost Keywords: Broilers, Cannabis sativa, Feed intake, Weight gain, FCR.

Antimicrobial Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticles and Allium Species on Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Several Other Microorganisms.

This study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs), varying in size, against clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), E. coli, S. aureus, E. faecalis, and C. albicans, as well as the antimicrobial effects of aqueous extracts and lyophilized powders of Allium (garlic) species. CNPs were synthesized through ionotropic gelation and characterized by Z potential, hydrodynamic diameter (dynamic light scattering, DLS), and SEM. Aqueous garlic extracts were prepared via decoction. We assessed antimicrobial activity using disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods; in addition, a modified agar proportion method in blood agar was used for antimicrobial activity against MTB. CNPs inhibited MTB growth at 300 μg for 116.6 nm particles and 400 μg for 364.4 nm particles. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed against E. faecalis with nanoparticles between 200 and 280 nm. Allium sativum extract produced inhibition for C. albicans at 100 μg. The results indicate that CNPs possess significant antimicrobial properties against a range of pathogens, including MTB, at high concentrations. On the other hand, aqueous Allium sativum extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity. Nonetheless, due to their instability in solution, the use of lyophilized Allium sativum powder is preferable.

Nutritivne strategije u ishrani koka nosilja u svetlu rešavanja izazova u zaštiti životne sredine smanjivanjem izlučivanja azota

This research aimed to assess the impact of incorporating Castanea sativa powder (CSP) into laying hens diets, examining reduced crude protein (CP) levels and their effects on production performance, haematological parameters, nutrients and mineral digestibility and environmental pollution by nitrogen (N) absorption and excretion. For that, a 6-week trial was developed, with 90 Lohmann Brown laying hens aged 51 weeks, raised in digestibility cages, divided into three groups with 30 hens each. The diets were composed as follows: a control group fed with 17.50% crude protein (CON), an experimental group with a reduced CP level of 15.50% (RPL), and a similar reduced CP group supplemented with 0.5% CSP (RPC) as tannin additive. The limiting amino acids (lysine, methionine, and threonine) were supplemented to maintain constant equal amino acid concentrations in all experimental diets. Throughout the feeding trial, the laying rate was higher in the RPC group (94.12%), followed by RLP (93.65%) and CON (91.11%). However, CON hens produced heavier eggs compared to RPL and RPC groups. Average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio showed no significant differences (p>0.05) between the groups. Results from blood samples showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in RPL group on monocytes and uric acid compared with CON and RPC groups with tendencies for leucocytes, lymphocytes, heterophiles. Notably, excreted N levels were significantly reduced (up to 30%) in RPL (0.33 mg N/100g) and RPC (0.30 mg N/100g) groups compared to the CON (0.42 mg N/100g) group, showing a promising way of reducing N pollution. The RPC group had significantly higher (p<0.05) N content and coefficient of apparent N absorption compared with RPL group. On the other hand, the CP excretion was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the RPL (2.06 mg CP/100g) and RPC (1.94 mg CP/100g) groups compared with CON group (2.63 mg CP/100g). The lowest CP absorption was determined in the RPL group, while the RPC group (88.24%), had the highest coefficient of apparent absorption, compared with both CON (86.18%) and RPL (86.22%) groups. No significant effect on mineral excretion content was observed.

The contribution of Coriandrum sativum in enhancing Oreochromis niloticus rearing at sub-optimal temperatures: effect on growth, health status, survival rate, and resistance to Aeromons Veronii

This study (60 days) was conducted to investigate the ability of diet enriched with Coriandrum sativum powder or its extract to protect Oreochromis niloticus health and survivability at suboptimal temperature (21 ℃). One hundred and twenty (33.14 ± 0.5 g) were divided into four groups; each group has three replicates.. The first control group fed on a basal diet. Second and third groups fed on diet enriched with 30 mg/kg coriander seed powder (CP) and coriander seed ethanolic extract (CE), respectively. The fourth group (OT) fed on diet enriched with 500 mg oxytetracycline/kg diet. The results revealed that CE exhibited a considerable improvement in hematological parameters, hepatic-renal functions, antioxidant status, and immunological markers as well as remarkably increased resistance against Aeromonas veronii. It could be concluded that feeding tilapia CE enriched diet at 30 mg/kg is a recommended strategy to enhance tilapia health and resistance to A. veronii infection reared at 21 ℃.

Determination of the effect of Nigella sativa on blood pressure; a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Introduction: Hypertension is considered a significant and highly prevalent public health problem. Due to the wide application of the medicinal herb Nigella sativa in managing this condition, the present study aims to evaluate the effect of N. sativa consumption on reducing blood pressure (BP) levels using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Materials and Methods: Multiple online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, and the Google Scholar search engine, were searched using standard keywords to identify relevant articles up to May 9, 2022. Data were analyzed using STATA 14 software, and the significance level was taken as P<0.05 for all tests. Results: From the total of 12 reviewed studies with a sample size of 854, the consumption of N. sativa powder (SMD: -0.46; 95% CI: -0.63, -0.30) and N. sativa oil (SMD: -2.04; 95% CI: -2.75, -1.34) lowered the systolic BP (SBP) levels. The consumption of N. sativa powder (SMD: -0.45; 95% CI: -0.63, -0.28) and N. sativa oil (SMD: -2.31; 95% CI: -3.05, -1.57) altered the diastolic BP (DBP) level. Then, the standard effect sizes of N. sativa consumption on triglyceride (SMD: -0.14; 95% CI: -0.29, 0), LDL-C (SMD: -0.35; 95% CI: -0.54, -0.17), HDL-C (SMD: 0.01; 95% CI: -0.14, 0.16) and FBS (SMD: -0.36; 95% CI: -0.58, -0.15) levels were measured. Conclusion: Nigella sativa consumption showed a higher impact on reducing SBP than DBP levels. In addition, the consumption of N. sativa oil was more effective in lowering BP levels than N. sativa powder. Hence, further research is suggested to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of N. sativa oil and powder. Registration: This study has been compiled based on the PRISMA checklist, and its protocol was registered on the PROSPERO website (ID: CRD42022336951).

Therapeutic efficacy of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) enriched diets in Oreochromis niloticus: effect on hepatic-renal functions, the antioxidant-immune response and resistance to Aeromonas veronii.

In this study, the effects of Coriandrum sativum to control Aeromonas veronii infection in Oreochromis niloticus were determined. Coriandrum sativum extract (CE) was tested in vitro against A. veronii by the disc diffusion assay. In in vivo, 150 O. niloticus (from El-Abbassa, Sharkia, Egypt, weighing 34.95 ± 1.98 g) was distributed in five groups (with three replications) in glass aquariums (80 × 40 × 30 cm). The first group (control) was intraperitoneally injected with 0.2 ml of sterilized tryptic soya broth. Groups 2-5 were intraperitoneally challenged with 0.2 ml of A. veronii (4.3 × 106). The five groups were administered a basal diet until clinical signs appeared, and then therapeutic feeding (15 days) was followed: the first (CONT) and second (AV) groups were administered a normal basal diet. The third (AV+CP) and fourth (AV+CE) groups were administered diets supplemented with C. sativum powder and extract, respectively, each at 30 mg/kg. The fifth group (AV+OT) was administered a diet supplemented with oxytetracycline at 500 mg/kg diet. The results of the in vitro experiment revealed that CE has a zone of inhibition of 43 mm against A. veronii. The in vivo results showed that fish administered a therapeutic diet supplemented with CE showed a significant improvement in hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters, as well as antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05) and the pathological findings of the liver and kidney tissues. The current findings supported that the administration of a CE-enriched diet (30 mg/kg) is an eco-friendly strategy for controlling A. veronii in O. niloticus.

Nigella sativa powder for helicobacter pylori infected patients: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial

ObjectiveThis double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial was conducted to define the effects of Nigella sativa (N. Sativa) powder plus conventional medical treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) on serum ghrelin level and appetite in H. pylori-infected patients.MethodsIn the present study, 51 H. pylori-positive patients were randomly allocated to treatment (n = 26) or placebo (n = 25) groups. They received 2 g/day N. Sativa with quadruple therapy or 2 g/day placebo plus quadruple therapy for 8 weeks. The serum level of ghrelin was assessed before and after the intervention. Appetite was evaluated at the onset and at the end of the intervention.ResultsAt the end of the study, the appetite of the treatment group improved significantly compared with the placebo group (P = 0.02). Statistically, the difference in serum ghrelin levels between the study’s groups was insignificant (P > 0.05).ConclusionSupplementation with N. Sativa powder may be a beneficial adjunctive therapy in H. pylori-infected patients.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20170916036204N7) on 08/08/2018.

Dietary phytochemicals against COVID‐19: A focus on thymoquinone

Dietary phytochemicals against COVID‐19: A focus on thymoquinone

Effect of Allium sativum and Olea europaea on serum lipids in patients with diabetes mellitus

ObjectiveThis study was designed to assess the effects of a combination of Allium sativum and Olea europaea oil on disturbed lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MethodsThis randomized control trial (RCT) involved 160 patients of either sex (aged 40–60 years) with T2DM and dyslipidemia, and were equally divided into two groups. Group A patients received hypoglycemic and lipid lowering agents (Tab glimepiride 2 mg + metformin HCl 500 mg and Tab rosuvastatin 10 mg once a day orally). Patients in group B were given the same allopathic drugs as group A, in combination with A. sativum and O. europaea oil over a period of 6 months. Blood samples were taken at three stages of the study to allow the analysis of lipid profiles. ResultsAnalysis showed that after 3 and 6 months of treatment, the mean levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were reduced in both groups and that there was a highly significant (P < 0.001) decline in group B when compared to group A. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels increased in both groups but there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the group B when compared to group A. The percentage reduction was highest at 6 months of treatment for cholesterol, TGs, LDL and HDL in group B (41.5%, 45.9%, 60.4% and 58.1%, respectively). ConclusionThe antihyperlipidemic activity observed may be due to the presence of antioxidants in the test substances. Further studies should be conducted with a larger sample size in order to further evaluate the role of A. sativum powder and O. europaea oil in patients with T2DM with dyslipidemia.

Efficacy of a Persian herbal medicine compound on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe global attention to the capacities of traditional medicine for alleviating the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 has been growing. The present trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a Persian herbal medicine formula among patients with COVID-19. MethodsThe present trial was conducted in Afzalipour hospital, Kerman, Iran, from June to September 2020. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients were randomly divided into intervention (Persian herbal medicine formula + routine treatment) or control (only routine treatment) groups. The intervention group received both capsule number 1 and 2 every 8 hours for 7 days. Capsule number 1 contained extract of the Glycyrrhiza glabra, Punica granatum, and Rheum palmatum, and the second capsule was filled by Nigella sativa powder. Participants were followed up to 7 days. The primary outcome was the number of hospitalization days, while cough, fever, and respiratory rate, days on oxygen (O2) therapy, and mortality rate were considered as the secondary outcomes. ResultsEighty-two patients were enrolled to the study, while 79 cases completed the trial and their data were analyzed (mean age: 59.1 ± 17.1 years). Based on the results, the Persian medicine formula decreased the mean hospitalization days, so that the mean difference of length of hospitalization as primary outcome was 2.95 ± 0.43 days. A significant clinical improvement was observed regarding dyspnea, need for O2) therapy, and respiratory rate in the intervention group. No adverse effects were reported. ConclusionThe present study supported the use of the Persian medicine formula as an adjuvant therapy for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Study registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir): IRCT20200330046899N1.

Effects of Garlic Allium sativum Powder on Nutrient Digestibility, Haematology, and Immune and Stress Responses in Eurasian Perch Percafluviatilis Juveniles.

Simple SummaryHerbal medicine feed supplements are used as growth promoters, immune system stimulants, and to combat stress. We evaluated the effects of garlic powder in the diet of European perch. The inclusion of garlic powder was shown to improve whole body composition, feed digestibility, and biochemical and immunohematological effects, and increased resistance against overcrowding stress.The supplementation of fish diets with phytogenics can increase growth performance and can modulate immune system response. European perch Perca fluviatilis (initial weight 25.0 ± 0.4 g) were fed a diet including 0 (Control), 10 (G10), 20 (G20), and 30 (G30) g kg−1 garlic powder. No significant difference in the growth parameters and somatic indices were observed. Significantly higher fat digestibility was observed in G10 and G30 diets compared to in the control and G20 diets(p < 0.05). Significantly greater red blood cell and white blood cell counts were observed with the G10 diet (p < 0.05). Garlic significantly decreased serum cholesterol in all of the experimental groups. Serum albumin was significantly higher in the G10 and G20 diets (p < 0.05). Immediately after the overcrowding stress challenge, the garlic groups showed significantly higher cortisol levels than the control group, while no significant difference was observed in the glucose concentration among groups. At 1 h post-stress, all of the groups that had been fed a garlic-supplemented diet showed lower cortisol levels than the control group, and this trend was maintained at 6 and 24 h post stress (p < 0.05), and glucose level in all garlic groups was significantly lower than control (p < 0.05). Garlic at 10 g kg−1 in feed can improve apparent fat digestibility and selected blood parameters and can enhance resistance against high-density and net handling stress in Eurasian perch.

Histological Effect of Allium sativum (Garlic) on the Liver of White Rabbits

Allium sativum commonly referred to as garlic has been known over the years for its medicinal and culinary purposes. It has also been reported to have several toxic effects when used excessively. However, the purpose of this study was to determine the histological effects of Allium sativum (garlic) powder on the liver of white rabbits at different dosages. Twenty rabbits were randomly divided int.o five groups with free access to food and water for a period of four weeks. Four groups B, C, D, and E were fed with garlic supplemented basal diet containing different concentrations of garlic powder i.e. 100mg, 200mg, 500mg, and 1000mg respectively. These groups were called the treated group. Group A was fed with basal diet only and was considered as the control group. The results obtained showed some histological changes such as the presence of cellular necrosis, vacuolations, lipofuscin pigments, pyknosis and nuclear hypertrophy which were as a result of liver glycogen depletion and hepatic cell damage which may be due to relatively high dosage of garlic used in some of the groups.

Efficacy of Oral Administration of Allium sativum Powder “Garlic Extract” on Lipid Profile, Inflammation, and Cardiovascular Indices among Hemodialysis Patients

Background Inflammation plays a prominent role in the deteriorating cardiovascular risk of hemodialysis patients. Utilization of herbal remedies, especially garlic extract, in these patients has resulted in promising improvement in lipid profile, inflammation, and cardiovascular markers. Purpose In this survey, we aimed to determine the effects of oral administration of Allium sativum powder on lipid profile, inflammation, and cardiovascular markers among hemodialysis patients. Methods In this interventional double-blinded randomized crossover study, 70 patients were enrolled and assigned in two groups. Each group received 300 mg of garlic powder BID or placebo for eight weeks; after a six-week wash-out period, the agents were switched between two groups so that the group who received garlic powder in the first eight weeks received placebo for the second eight weeks, and vice versa. Venous blood samples were obtained in baseline, wash-out period, and at the end of study. Following obtaining laboratory data, BUN, creatinine, Na, K, Ca, Ph, homocysteine, and lipid profile were compared. Results No significant differences were shown at baselines of outcomes between the garlic and placebo group (p value>0.05). However, there was a significant decrease in absolute values of OXLDL (mean placebo = 979.63, mean garlic = 676.54; p value<0.001) and HCY (mean placebo = 36.54, mean garlic = 27.78; p value<0.001). In addition, significant treatment differences were seen in change values of Ca (placebo = 1.17, garlic = 0.21; p value = 0.006), TG (placebo = −6.71, garlic = -24.14; p value = 0.014), OXLDL (placebo = −281.30, garlic = -699.78; p value<0.001), and HCY (placebo = −0.24, garlic = −6.68; p value<0.001). Conclusion In this study, Allium sativum powder demonstrated efficacy in lipid profile improvement and renal protective effects among hemodialysis patients.

Growth Performance of Clarias gariepinus Juveniles fed Diets Supplemented with Garlic (Allium sativum) Powder

The study investigated effects of graded levels of garlic (Allium sativum) powder supplemented diets on the growth performance of Clarias gariepinus juveniles. Five treatments comprising of twelve C. gariepinus juveniles of mean weight 7.52±0.00g per treatment were used in the study. Fish in each treatment was fed twice daily with experimental diets formulated with different inclusion levels of garlic powder at 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%; designated as control, T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Fish were fed at 5% of their body weight and feeding trial lasted for 56 days. Analysis of the physico-chemical parameters of culture water was also carried out. Collected data were analysed and results showed that water temperature ranged from 27.0 to 28.5oC, pH ranged between 7.58 and 7.79, dissolved oxygen levels varied from 6.20 to 6.50mg/l, while ammonia content was observed to be between 2.33 and 2.73mg/l. Fish fed 3% garlic inclusion diet had the highest mean weight gain (MWG) of 40.63±30.04g, percentage weight gain (PWG) of 541.73% and specific growth rate (SGR) of 2.79±0.00%/day when compared with those on other treatments. The least PWG (345.25%) and SGR (1.95±0.00) were observed in the control and fish fed 1% garlic inclusion diets. However, MWG values were similar (p &gt; 0.05) in T1 and T4. Fish fed diets with 2% garlic inclusion had the highest FCR (3.22±0.04) while the least value (2.29±0.03) was observed in T3. Results of the crude protein contents of treated fish carcass increased in all dietary treatments. Inference from this study indicated that incorporation of garlic meal in fish diets at 3% inclusion level improved growth performance and proximate composition of C. gariepinus juveniles.&#x0D; Keywords: Catfish, functional foods, garlic, nutrient utilization, weight gain

Effects of Allium Sativum Powder on in Vitro Digestibility of Maize Stover in Cattle

Effects of Allium Sativum Powder on in Vitro Digestibility of Maize Stover in Cattle

Effects of a Combination of Foeniculum vulgare, Melissa officinalis Extract, and Nigella saliva Powder on Healthy Menopausal Women with Sexual Dysfunction: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Menopause is a critical period with frequent sexual disorders. Objectives: The current study assessed the therapeutic effect of a combination of the aerial part of Melissa officinalis, fennel fruit extract, and Nigella sativa seed powder on the sexual dysfunction of postmenopausal women. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 48 menopausal women from April 2015 to October 2017. The participants included the menopausal women referring to the clinic of Gorgan health centers aged between 41 and 54 years with natural menopause (amenorrhea for at least 12 months) and discomfort in sexual activity. They were randomized into two treatment groups. Group 1 (n = 27) received 1000 mg capsules (Melissa officinalis, fennel extract, and Nigella sativa powder), and group 2 (n = 21) received a placebo (1000 mg starch capsules (in an eight-week course of treatment (one capsule per day for each group). The variables in the female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire were compared in the two groups before and after the intervention. Results: The results showed that the mean scores of sexual dysfunction in the domains of arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain were not significantly different between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Despite many studies on the effectiveness of Melissa, Foenculum, and Nigella, this study showed that a combination of Foeniculum vulgare, Melissa officinalis extract, and Nigella sativa seed powder does not improve the sexual function of postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction, and it might be the synergism effect of this combination.

Insecticidal Property of Black Seed (Nigella sativa) Powder as an Eco-friendly Management of Skin Beetle Dermestes maculatus (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in Atlantic Codfish Gadus morhua (Gadiformes: Gadidae)

&#x0D; The bio-pesticidal potential of Nigella sativa seed powder in the management of Dermestes maculatus in codfish (Gadus morhua) was evaluated in the laboratory. D. maculatus beetles were obtained from naturally infested smoked fish, cultured at ambient temperature for the establishment of new stock and same age adults. Purchased N. sativa seeds were ground into fine powder, weighed at 0.4 g, 0.8 g, 1.2 g, 1.6 g and 2.0 g for use in the bioassay. The treatments were separately added into 40 g codfish kept in Kilner jar into which two sexed pairs of D. maculatus were introduced and observed. From the results, the number of the developmental stages (larvae, pupae and adults) of D. maculatus in codfish treated with N. sativa seed powder was inversely proportional to the concentration of the seed powder. Thus, an increase in the concentration of N. sativa powder generated reduction in the mean number of D. maculatus progeny found in the codfish after 35 days as follows: at 0.4 g, progeny development was (103.50, 7.75, 2.50) and 77.00, 8.25 and 1.00 at 2.0 g respectively for larva, pupa and adult stages. Percentage protection conferred by the botanical on D. maculatus showed that all the doses applied were effective. Corrected mortality of D. maculatus adults after 45 days of exposure to the different doses of N. sativa treatments also increased with an increase in concentration of N. sativa from 0.4 g to 2.0 g. Frass weight generated by D. maculatus activity in codfish treated with N. sativa powder was high in codfish treated at 1.6 g. Finally, N. sativa characterized both qualitatively and quantitatively for phytochemicals, proved the secondary metabolites with bio-pesticide potentials against D. maculatus such as phenols, Alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoid, saponin, tannin, Cardiac glycoside, anthraquinone, steroid and oxalate in different proportion, therefore, should be utilized in Integrated Pest Management program of stored codfish.

Study on Removal of Heavy Metal Ions (Pb2+, Cd2+ and Cu2+) by Coriandrum sativum (Coriander)

The removal of metallic trace elements from our environment especially in wastewater is now shifting from the use of conventional adsorbents to the use of biosorbents materials which have a big potential application in environmental control and metal recovery operations. It can be considered as an alternative green technology which has been proved as more efficient and economical for metallic trace elements. In this work, we propose to test the ability of Coriandrum sativum (Coriander) seeds in the elimination of metallic trace elements (Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+) in water. This study was carried out by electrochemical (differential pulse polarography) and spectroscopic characterization (fourier-transform infrared, FTIR). The Coriandrum sativum seeds are powdered and added with different weight (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 1, and 2 g) to different solutions containing Pb2+, Cd2+, or Cu2+ (20 ppm), after filtration with filter paper, all solutions were analyzed by differential pulse polarography technic (DPP) with a dropping mercury electrode (HMDE). The obtained results had shown a significant ability in removing, which achieved a removal efficiency of the 98.05% of Pb2+, 98.1% of Cd2+ and 87% of Cu2+ at 2 g of optimal mass of Coriandrum sativum powder. The obtained results indicate that the Coriandrum sativum is a good support for elimination of toxic metals. The metallic trace elements Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+ are mainly interacted by the chelation between metallic ions and the carboxylate anion as the conjugate base of a carboxylic acid in Coriandrum sativum particles.

Neuroprotective Potential of Allium sativum against Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Excitotoxicity: Impact on Short-Term Memory, Gliosis, and Oxidative Stress.

This study evaluated the neuroprotective potential of Allium sativum against monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced neurotoxicity with respect to its impact on short-term memory in rats. Forty male Wistar albino rats were assigned into four groups. The control group received distilled water. The second group was administered Allium sativum powder (200 mg/kg of body weight) orally for 7 successive days, then was left without treatment until the 30th day. The third group was injected intraperitoneally with MSG (4 g/kg of body weight) for 7 successive days, then left without treatment until the 30th day. The fourth group was injected with MSG in the same manner as the third group and was treated with Allium sativum powder in the same manner as the second group, simultaneously. Phytochemical analysis of Allium sativum powder identified the presence of diallyl disulphide, carvone, diallyl trisulfide, and allyl tetrasulfide. MSG-induced excitotoxicity and cognitive deficit were represented by decreased distance moved and taking a long time to start moving from the center in the open field, as well as lack of curiosity in investigating the novel object and novel arm. Moreover, MSG altered hippocampus structure and increased MDA concentration and protein expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), calretinin, and caspase-3, whereas it decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and protein expression of Ki-67 in brain tissue. However, Allium sativum powder prevented MSG-induced neurotoxicity and improved short-term memory through enhancing antioxidant activity and reducing lipid peroxidation. In addition, it decreased protein expression of GFAP, calretinin, and caspase-3 and increased protein expression of Ki-67 in brain tissues and retained brain tissue architecture. This study indicated that Allium sativum powder ameliorated MSG-induced neurotoxicity through preventing oxidative stress-induced gliosis and apoptosis of brain tissue in rats.

Effects of Nigella sativa and amino acids on growth performance and haematological parameters of broiler

Background: Recently, the use of antibiotic growth promoters has been banned in many countries due to cross-resistance among pathogens and residues in tissues, which led to search for the alternative feed additives in animal production. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of “Kalo jeera” (Nigella sativa) powder and amino acids supplementation on the growth of broiler chicks and their blood parameters. Methods: A total of 100 day-old (Cobb® 500) chicks were randomly divided into four groups such as T0, T1, T2, T3, and each group contained 25 chicks. The group T0 was used as control and groups T1, T2 and T3 were treated group. Chicks of control group were fed with only basal diet and no supplements were supplied, and chicks of treatment group including T1, T2 and T3 were supplemented with amino acids, Nigella sativa powder and combination of Nigella sativa and amino acids, respectively. Body weight was recorded on 7th, 14th, 21th, 28th and 35th day of age. Haematological tests were performed at 15th, 25th and 35th day of age. Results: The results showed that net weight gain and feed conversion ratio were improved in the treated groups than that of the control group. Among the treated groups, the significant level of improvement was achieved in the T3 group followed by T1 and then T2. Total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration were significant (p&lt;0.01) in the treated groups as compared to control. Conclusions: The results suggest that better growth performance could be achieved in broilers supplemented with Nigella sativa and amino acids in combination and those can be used as growth promoters.