bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived Burden Due to Registrations for Quality Monitoring and Improvement in Hospitals: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Zegers Marieke , Veenstra Gepke L. , Gerritsen Gerard , Verhage Rutger , van der Hoeven Hans J.G. , Welker Gera A.
Published: July 2020

Background: Quality indicators are registered to monitor and improve the quality of care. However, the number and effectiveness of quality indicators is under debate, and may influence the joy in work of physicians and nurses. Empirical data on the nature and consequences of the registration burden are lacking. The aim of this study was to identify and explore healthcare professionals’ perceived burden due to quality registrations in hospitals, and the effect of this burden on their joy in work. Methods: A mixed methods observational study, including participative observations, a survey and semi-structured interviews in two academic hospitals and one teaching hospital in the Netherlands. Study participants were 371 healthcare professionals from an intensive care unit (ICU), a haematology department and others involved in the care of elderly patients and patients with prostate or gastrointestinal cancer. Results: On average, healthcare professionals spend 52.3 minutes per working day on quality registrations. The average number of quality measures per department is 91, with 1380 underlying variables. Overall, 57% are primarily registered for accountability purposes, 19% for institutional governance and 25% for quality improvement objectives. Only 36% were perceived as useful for improving quality in everyday practice. Eight types of registration burden were identified, such as an excessive number of quality registrations, and the lack of usefulness for improving quality and inefficiencies in the registration process. The time healthcare professionals spent on quality registrations was not correlated with any measure of joy in work. Perceived unreasonable registrations were negatively associated with healthcare professionals’ joy in work (intrinsic motivation and autonomy). Healthcare professionals experienced quality registrations as diverting time from patient care and from actually improving quality. Conclusion: Registering fewer quality indicators, but more of what really matters to healthcare professionals, is key to increasing the effectiveness of registrations for quality improvement and governance. Also the efficiency of quality registrations should be increased through staffing and information and communications technology solutions to reduce the registration burden experienced by nurses and physicians.
Phytochemistry and therapeutic effects of Alhagi spp. and tarangabin in the Traditional and modern medicine: a review
Authors: Parviz Tavassoli Amir , Anushiravani Majid , Hoseini Seyed Mousalreza , Nikakhtar Zahra , Naghedi Baghdar Hamideh , Ramezani Mahin , Ayati Zahra , Amiri Mohammad Sadegh , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Emami Seyed Ahmad
Published: July 2020

Alhagi maurorum is one of the species of Alhagi genus producing manna of Tarangabin. Tarangabin is mainly prepared in Iran and Afghanistan. The medicinal properties of Tarangabin and A. maurorum have been mentioned in some major Materia Medica manuscripts in the Islamic era. Tarangabin has various pharmacological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, analgesic and gastrointestinal effects. The purpose of this review is to introduce Alhagi plant and its different species, to present its geographical distribution, and to review its phytochemical and pharmacological properties as well as traditional and folklore applications. Phytochemistry of different parts of Alhagi, such as root, leaf and manna is also explained in details. In addition, temperament and medicinal uses of Tarangabin mentioned in the Islamic traditional medicine (ITM) books are presented. Indeed, sparse clinical research has been done on the medicinal properties of Tarangabin, which calls for future well-designed trials.
Puerarin as potential treatment in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Fathalipour Mohammad , Mahmoodzadeh Amir , Safa Omid , Mirkhani Hossein
Published: July 2020

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most prevalent microvascular complications of diabetes, and the most leading cause of visual loss around the world. The lack of effective and approved treatment in DR is a major challenge for diabetic patients. Nowadays, natural compounds have got attention of the researchers for management of DR. Many evidences suggest that puerarin as a natural polyphenol exerts advantageous effects against DR. In the present review, we summarized the protective effects of puerarin against DR, and discussed the underlying mechanisms of these effects. Puerarin attenuates retinal neovascularization and neurodegeneration in diabetes mellitus, and the underlying mechanisms are related to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties of the compound. In conclusion, puerarin might be a potential adjuvant agent for the prevention and treatment of DR. However, comprehensive studies are necessary to show its effectiveness and safety, particularly in human.
A review of the most important natural antioxidants and effective medicinal plants in traditional medicine on prostate cancer and its disorders
Authors: Basati Gholam , Ghanadi Pardis , Abbaszadeh Saber
Published: July 2020

Herbal plants can be used to treat and prevent life-threatening diseases, such as prostate cancer, infections and other diseases. The findings from traditional medicine and the use of medicinal plants can help control and treat most problems due to prostate diseases. The aim of this study was to identify and report the most important medicinal plants that affect prostate disorders. Based on the results of the review of numerous articles indexed in the databases ISI, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, etc., a number of plants have been reported to be used in the treatment and prevention of diseases, inflammation, infection, and cancer of the prostate gland. The plants include Panax ginseng, Arum palaestinum, Melissa officinalis, Syzygium paniculatum, Coptis chinensis, Embelia ribes, Scutellaria baicalensis, Tripterygium wilfordii, Salvia triloba, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Psidium guajava, Ganoderma lucidum, Litchi chinensis, Saussurea costus, Andrographis paniculata, Magnolia officinalis and Prunus africana. Phytochemical investigations have examined the therapeutic effects of medicinal plants effective on prostate cancer and their possible mechanisms of action and clinical effects as well as the use of active flavonoids in production of herbal drugs. Due to the active ingredients and important flavonoids of these plants, they can be used in production of herbal drugs that prevent and treat infections, inflammation and cancer of the prostate gland, and reduce the metastasis of prostate cancer cells, reducing the patients’ suffering and pain.
Evaluation of sulfur and foliar application of Zn and Fe on yield and biochemical factors of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) under irrigation regimes
Authors: Shafiee adib Shahla , Amini dehaghi Majid , Rezazadeh Alireza , Naji Amirmohammad
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Cumin, due to its food and medicinal properties, is one of the important plant species in the world. Moreover, water and nutrition deficiencies are serious abiotic stress factors. So, this experiment was conducted with the aim of investigating the effects of sulfur and foliar application of Fe and Zn on yield and biochemical characteristics of cumin under irrigation regimes. Methods: The experiment was conducted as a split plot on the basis of a completely randomized block design during the 2016-2017 growing seasons with three replications. Experimental factors were arranged in irrigation regimes as main plots at three levels (I1: No stress (control), I2: irrigation based on 40% available water discharge, I3: 80% available water discharge) and foliar application of Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) as subplots [F1: control (water-soluble), F2: Iron, F3: Zinc, F4: Zinc and Iron chelate] and sub-sub plots including sulfur fertilizer [S1: control (no use of sulfur), S2: sulfur fertilizer with Thiobacillus]. Results: Analyzed data showed that total phenol content and flavonoids were enhanced with the increase of drought intensity and the maximum amount was recorded under I3, while I3 caused a substantial reduction in grain yield. Flavonoid and grain yield significantly increased in F4. Total phenol content was the highest in F2 and F3 treatments. Application of sulfur fertilizer resulted in a significant increase in peroxidase, phenol and flavonoids. The highest amount of peroxidase was obtained in I3F4 and I3F3. The largest total soluble sugar (TSS) was resulted by I3S2 and the least by I1S1. Foliar application of Zn and Fe with sulfur fertilizer increased TSS. Conclusion: The present study suggests that foliar application of Fe and Zn and sulfur fertilizer can improve the injurious effects of water deficiency on cumin plant through alteration in yield and biochemical characteristics.
A systematic review of pharmacological activities and safety ofMoringa oleifera
Authors: Popoola Jacob O. , Aworunse Oluwadurotimi S. , Oyesola Olusola L. , Akinnola Olayemi O. , Obembe Olawole O.
Published: July 2020

In the last few decades,Moringa oleifera, a multipurpose medicinal plant (MMP) has received increased research attention and commercial interest for its nutritional, therapeutic and pharmacological properties. Rigorous approaches including biological assays, animal and clinical trials are required towards safe usage as herbal therapy. We conducted a systematic review of the known pharmacological activities, toxicity, and safety ofM. oleifera, usually used locally in the treatment and prevention of myriads of illnesses. Five major bibliographic databases (SCOPUS, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, and Mendeley) were searched for studies reported on pharmacological activities, toxicity, and safety assessment ofM. oleiferain the last 29 years (1990 – 2019). Studies on animals and humans involving aqueous leaf extracts and different preparations fromM. oleiferaseed and bark were also considered. All articles retained, and data collected were evaluated based on the period of the article, country where such studies were conducted and the document type. Our search results identified and analyzed 165 articles while 63 studies were eventually retained. Diverse pharmacological activities including neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antiasthmatic, anti-malaria, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, antiobesity, hepatoprotective and cytotoxic effects, amongst others, were recorded. Toxicity studies in animal models and few human studies showed thatM. oleiferais safe with no adverse effect reported. The importance of the plant is highlighted in the search for new bioactive compounds to explore its therapeutic potentials towards drug discovery and development in the pharmaceutical and allied industries.
Antioxidant and scolicidal activities of four Iranian Mentha species (Lamiaceae) in relation to phenolic elements
Authors: Ranjbar Mojtaba , Kiani Mahmoud , Nikpay Ali
Published: July 2020

Introduction: There is a growing interest of industry to replace synthetic chemicals by natural products with bioactive properties from plant origin. The present study reported the antioxidant activity and scolicidal effects of the crude extracts from Mentha spicata, M. aquatica, M. longifolia, and M. × piperita var. citrata growing in Iran. Methods: Total phenolic, flavonoid and flavonol contents of the four Mentha taxa were examined. Two antioxidant assays i.e. free radical scavenging activity (DPPH assay) and reducing power assay were used for determining the antioxidant capacity of the alcoholic extracts. Scolicidal activity of serial dilutions (15–200 mg/mL) of Mentha extracts was evaluated after 1, 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes of exposure time. Results: Methanol was the solvent yielding the highest values of total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC) and flavonol contents (TFvC). On the other hand, the extracts from M. × piperita var. citrata gave the highest total phenolic content (191.6 mg gallic acid equivalent per g; GAE/g), total flavonoid content (57.0 mg quercetin per g; QE/g) and total flavonol content (15.3 mg QE/g) values. The methanol extracts of M. × piperita var. citrata also gave the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity (83.2%), whereas the reducing power yielded absorbance values between 0.189 in M. spicata and 1.16 in M. × piperita var. citrata. The highest scolicidal activity (99.54%) was observed in 200 mg/mL methanol extract of M. aquatica after 30 minutes of application. Conclusion: Overall, M. × piperita var. citrata and M. aquatica could be the taxa of choice for future supplementary studies.
Chemical compositions of essential oils of Amomum verum and Cinnamomum parthenoxylon and their in vitro biological properties
Authors: Tangjitjaroenkun Janpen , Tangchitcharoenkhul Rungnapa , Yahayo Waraporn , Supabphol Suangson , Sappapan Ruengrit , Supabphol Roongtawan
Published: July 2020

Introduction: In eastern Thailand, Amomum verum and Cinnamomum parthenoxylon are native plants used by local communities for their medical and culinary properties. This study determined the chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oils from A. verum shoots (AVSEO) and C. parthenoxylon wood (CPW-EO). Methods: Essential oils were extracted using hydro-distillation and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the disc diffusion method and broth microdilution assay. The cytotoxic activity of the essential oils was assessed against the human prostate adenocarcinoma (DU145) cell line using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The antioxidant activity of the essential oils was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. The expression of antioxidant genes in the DU145 cells was evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: 1,8-Cineole was the main component in AVS-EO and CPW-EO with 84.38, and 45.65 %, respectively. AVS-EO had stronger antimicrobial activity than CPW-EO. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum microbicidal concentration (MMC) values of AVSEO against Candida albicans were 0.3125 and 2.5 mg/mL, respectively. Both essential oils had timedependent and dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on the DU145 human prostate adenocarcinoma cells. CPW-EO had high antioxidant activity toward DPPH and ABTS radicals with IC50 values of 4.528±0.233 and 0.045±0.007 mg/mL, respectively. The two essential oils up-regulated glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GRx) mRNA expression in the oxidative stress response of DU145 cells. Conclusion: AVS-EO and CPW-EO might be added as natural ingredients in food or dietary supplement products for the benefit of microbial and prostate cancer inhibition.
In Ovo evaluation of antiviral effects of aqueous garlic (Allium sativum) extract against a velogenic strain of Newcastle disease virus
Authors: Doostmohammadian Fatemeh , Shomali Tahoora , Mosleh Najmeh , Mohammadi Mitra
Published: July 2020

Introduction: The antiviral property of aqueous garlic extract against a virulent velogenic field isolate of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was investigated in a time of addition assay in embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs). Methods: The ECEs were inoculated with the lowest concentration of the virus with HA (haemagglutination) positive activity. After determination of extract toxicity in ECEs, administration of different concentrations of the extract (0.5, 1, 2, 4 mg/mL) or ribavirin (comparative control) was performed 8 hours before (pretreatment), simultaneously (cotreatment) or 8 hours after (post treatment) virus injection. Allantoic fluids were harvested for infectivity determination, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and viral load (HA titer) assay. In vitro HA blocking activity test was also performed. Results: Allicin content of the extract was 16.6% by HPLC method. The best viability results were related to the extract in pretreatment and ribavirin in co-treatment trials (p<0.05 as compared to infected ECEs with no treatment). Pre and co-treatment assays showed better results on HA titer of garlic treated groups. In infectivity assay, the 50% embryo lethal dose (ELD50) values of NDV were roughly 500 and 50 folds of ELD50 of the untreated virus in pre and co-treatment, respectively. No change was observed in viral shapes in TEM analysis nor HA blocking activity in vitro. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of garlic shows antiviral effects against a velogenic strain of NDV in ovo accompanied by a reduction in virus infectivity and titer. These effects are most pronounced in pretreatment trial.
The effects of aqueous extract ofOriganum vulgareon learning and memory in male rats
Authors: Ghaderi Ahvan , Karimi Seyed Asaad , Talaei Fahimeh , Shahidi Siamak , Faraji Nafiseh , Komaki Alireza
Published: July 2020

Introduction:The effectiveness of antioxidants on learning and memory improvement has been shown, previously. Due to the high level of antioxidants, available in Origanum vulgare, the present experiment aimed to examine the effect of aqueous extract ofO. vulgareon passive avoidance learning (PAL) in male Wistar rats.Methods:This study was performed on 30 male Wistar rats weighing 250 to 290 g. The rats were randomly assigned into five groups (n=6), as follows: the control, sham (saline), and three groups treated with different doses ofO. vulgareextract (150, 250, and 350 mg/kg). The saline or extract was administered via daily oral gavage for 14 days. The groups were then subjected to the passive avoidance task, and their behaviors were recorded. The rats’ locomotor activity was also measured using the open field test.Results:The number of trials to acquisition was significantly lower in the "O. vulgare(350 mg/ kg)" group than the control group. The step-through latency and the time spent in the dark compartment in the retention test, was significantly higher and lower in the "O. vulgare(250 and 350 mg/kg)" groups than the control group, respectively. No significant differences were found in the distances traveled among the experimental groups in the open field test.Conclusion:Aqueous extract ofO. vulgarecan enhance learning and memory. The high levels of antioxidants inO. vulgareextract may be responsible for its effectiveness in learning and memory.
Phytochemical content, antioxidant activities and androgenic properties of four South African medicinal plants
Authors: Masuku Nelisiwe Prenate , Unuofin Jeremiah Oshiomame , Lebelo Sogolo Lucky
Published: July 2020

Introduction:This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical contents, antioxidant activities, and androgenic properties ofPeltophorum africanumSond,Trichilia emeticaVahl,Terminalia sambesiaca, andXimenia caffra.Methods:The finely powdered leaves of the selected plants were extracted using acetone, aqueous, and methanol as solvents. The total phenolics and flavonoids contents were determined from gallic acid and quercetin standard curves. The antioxidant activities of these extracts were evaluated using 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl ( DPPH) assay. The effect of plant extracts (100-1000 µg/mL) on TM3 Leydig cells was assessed using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay. Testosterone levels were measured using ELISA kit.Results:The methanol extracts ofT. sambesiacaandX. caffrarevealed higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents (102.13±2.32 mg/g GAE and 1.05±0.04 mg/g QE, respectively) than other plant extracts. The acetone and methanol extracts ofP. africanumrevealed the best IC50value (12.50 ± 0.052 µg/mL) against DPPH than the other plant extracts and ascorbic acid. The MTT assay results showed that all varying concentrations of plant extracts maintained cell viability and were not cytotoxic with IC50values of greater than 20 µg/mL. The methanol extract ofT. sambesiacahad the highest testosterone production at 500 µg/mL (0.399 ng/mL) when compared with the basal control while at the concentration of 500 µg/mL the acetone extracts ofP. africanumandT. sambesiacahad significantly high testosterone production 0.147 and 0.188 ng/mL respectively when compared with basal control.Conclusion:The results reveal that these plants possess antioxidants and androgenic property and suggest the potential use for the treatment of male infertility.
Evaluation of the biochemical, haematological and histopathological parameters of female Wistar rats fed with aqueous and ethanol extracts of Aspilia africana leaves.
Authors: Arunsi Uche O. , Chinyere Godwin C. , Ngwogu Kenneth O. , Ngwogu Ada C. , Atasie Okechukwu C. , Oti Ugo A. , Akujuobi John K. , Udeogu Chinedu , Ibe Chibuike
Published: July 2020

Introduction:
Aspilia africana is a plant commonly used to stop bleeding, heal wound, and manage various stomach complaints. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of A. africana on biochemical (liver function tests, renal function tests, and lipid profile), histopathological (kidney and liver) and haematological parameters of the female Wistar rats. Methods: To study acute toxicity, the median lethal dose (LD50) was determined by oral administration of different doses of the extract to 8 groups of 3 rats each and the animals were observed for 24 hours for signs of toxicity. To evaluate the toxicological effect of the extract, 3 groups of 5 animals each received 0.5 mL normal saline (control), 250 or 500 mg/kg of the extracts for 2 consecutive weeks. Results: Data revealed the LD50 of the extract to be >5000 mg/kg.bw. There was no significant variation in organosomatic indices of the animals fed with aqueous and ethanol extracts of A. africana leaves. In comparison with the control, there were significant increases (p<0.05) in serum liver and kidney biomarkers, high density lipoprotein, and white blood cells while some red cells indices, platelets, some lipid profile levels reduced significantly (p<0.05). A marked alteration in hepatic and renal architectures was also observed. Conclusion: The result of this study shows that the A. africana leaf may not be safe as medicine despite the outcome of LD50 acute toxicity studies. For it to be integrated in folk medicine, we recommend its use at minimal doses.
Ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometeric analysis of ethyl acetate fraction from saudiLavandula coronopifoliaPoir and evaluation of its cytotoxic and antioxidant activities
Authors: Abdelaziz Sahar , Hassan Wafaa H. B. , Elhassanny Ahmed E. M. , Al-Yousef Hanan M. , Elsayed May A. , Adel Rasha
Published: July 2020

Introduction:The ethyl acetate fraction of the Saudi Lavandula coronopifolia Poir has been previously reported to have hepatoprotective activity against ethanol-induced oxidative stress. The aim of the current study was to investigate the chemical composition, cytotoxic effect, and antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate fraction of the aerial parts of SaudiL. coronopifoliaPoir.Methods:Air dried aerial parts ofL. coronopifoliawere extracted using 90% ethyl alcohol. The dried extract was suspended in water, defatted with light petroleum and then fractionated with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate fraction was subjected to ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometeric (UPLC-ESI/MS/MS) analysis in a negative ionization mode. The antioxidant activity of the fraction was determined using free radical 2,2-diphyenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay and its cytotoxic effect against HepG2 (human hepatocarcinoma) and MCF-7 (human breast carcinoma) cells were determined using (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) tetrazolium (MTT) cell viability assay.Results:The major components of the ethyl acetate fraction included carvacrol-O-diglucoside, (34.98%) and trihydroxy ursolic acid (12.07%). Moreover, the DPPH radical scavenging activity of ethyl acetate fraction was measured. The ethyl acetate fraction revealed an antioxidant potential with EC5017.8 ± 1.3 µg/mL. Additionally, he ethyl acetate fraction showed cytotoxic activity against HepG-2 and MCF-7 cells with IC50=29.3 ± 0.9 µg/mL and 14.6 ± 0.3 µg/mL, respectively.Conclusion:The ethyl acetate fraction of the SaudiL. coronopifoliahas antioxidant activity and also cytotoxic activity against breast and liver cancer cells.
Assessment of the anti-diabetic potential of the Cratoxylum formosum subsp. formosum extracts via carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes inhibitory activities
Authors: Arsakit Kornkanok , Thongchuai Benchaluk , Sedlak Sutthira , Surapinit Serm
Published: July 2020

Introduction: This research aims to evaluate the anti-diabetic activity of the extracts from different parts of Cratoxylum formosum subsp. formosum.Methods: The in vitro inhibitory activities of the hexane (HEX), dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts from the flowers, leaves, roots and stems on pancreatic α-amylase (pAA), Saccharomyces α-glucosidase (SAG), rat intestinal maltase (rIM), and sucrase (rIS) were investigated. Results: The DCM and EtOAc extracts from the flowers (IC50 5.4 ± 1.5 and 10.5 ± 0.6 µg/mL) displayed the similar inhibitory activities as acarbose (IC50 7.2 ± 0.4 µg/mL) in the pAA assay. The inhibitory activities of the DCM and EtOAc extracts from the flowers (IC50 56.7 ± 8.9 and 20.4 ± 0.4 µg/mL), EtOAc extract from leaves (IC50 45.0 ± 3.5 µg/mL), DCM and EtOAc extracts from roots (IC50 35.0 ± 6.7 and 16.7± 3.6 µg/mL), and EtOAc extract from stems (IC50 31.1 ± 7.3 µg/mL) were more potent than acarbose (IC50 431.4 ± 16.7 µg/mL) on SAG inhibitory assay (P<0.05). In the rIM assay, DCM and EtOAc extracts from the flowers (IC50 8.5 ± 0.2 and 12.4 ± 0.3 µg/mL) exhibited stronger inhibitory activity than acarbose (IC50 38.5 ± 7.2 µg/mL) (P<0.05). Moreover, the inhibitory activity of DCM extract from the flowers (IC50 16.9 ± 1.5 µg/ mL) was comparable to the acarbose (IC50 15.5 ± 1.2 µg/mL) on rIS assay. Conclusion: The DCM and EtOAc extracts from the flowers were more active than the leaves, roots and stems in the inhibition of our defined target enzymes.
Medicinal herbs with anti-depressant effects
Authors: Setorki Mahbubeh
Published: July 2020

Depression is a life-threatening chronic illness which affects people worldwide. Drugs used to treat this disease have multiple side effects and may cause drug-drug or drug-food interactions. Additionally, only 30% of patients respond adequately to the existing drugs and the remaining do not achieve complete recovery. Thus, finding effective treatments that have adequate efficacy, fewer side effects and lower cost seem to be necessary. The purpose of this study was to review animal and double-blind clinical studies on the anti-depressant effects of medicinal herbs. In this study, validated scientific articles indexed in PubMed, SID, Web of Science and Scopus databases were reviewed. A database search was performed using the following terms: clinical trials, depression, major depressive disorder, essential oil, extract and medicinal plant. Positive effects of a number of herbs and their active compounds such as St John’s-wort, saffron, turmeric, ginkgo, chamomile, valerian, Lavender, Echium amoenum and Rhodiola rosea L. in improvement of symptoms of mild, moderate or major depression have been shown in clinical trials. The above plants show antidepressant effects and have fewer side effects than synthetic drugs. Hence, they have the potential to treat patients with depression.
Ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of Bengal Pogostemon (Pogostemon benghalensis)
Authors: Dahiya Sangeeta , Batish Daizy R. , Singh Harminader Pal
Published: July 2020

Pogostemon benghalensis (Burm.f.) Kuntze (Lamiaceae) is an important aromatic plant. Multiple classes of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenols, phytosteroids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, glycosides, sterols, terpenoids, tannins, essential oil, and alkaloids have been isolated from the title species. Different plant parts have been used as traditional remedies for various ailments. The present review aims to update and coherent the fragmented information on botanical aspects, phytochemistry, traditional uses, and pharmacological activities. An extensive review of the literature was carried out by using various search engines like PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Google, Scifinder for information. The articles were searched using the keywords "Pogostemon", "Parviflorus’, "benghalensis". Chemical structures of the chemical compounds were drawn using software Chem Draw ultra 8.0. Most of the plant parts have been used for the treatment of various ailments. Phytochemistry reveals that the plant is a rich source of various biologically active compounds. Pogostemon extracts exhibited numerous pharmacological effects like anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. In sum, P. benghalensis is a promising aromatic and medicinal plant as depicted by its various traditional uses and pharmacological studies. Bioactive compounds, responsible for its various pharmacological activities at the molecular level, need further detailed investigations. Future clinical studies are also required to validate the various traditional uses of P. benghalensis.
Effects of Astragalus fasciculifolius gum on wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Ayubi-Rad Mohammadali , Yosefi Soheila , Hajizadeh Mohammadreza , Jafari-Naveh Hamidreza , Hassanipour Mahsa , Alamchi Fatemeh , Fadai Afsaneh , Khorasani Faridehsadat , Hosseini Farzanehsadat , Bemani Mahdieh , Mahmoodi Mehdi
Published: July 2020

Introduction:
Recently it has been shown that Astragalus fasciculifolius may be an effective remedy in the treatment of diabetes and wound healing. Current study was designed to examine the effects of topical administration of A. fasciculifolius (common name: sarcocolla) cream on treatment of wounds in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: A circle deep wound having 15-mm diameter was created on the back of 32 streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Thirty-two wounds were evaluated in four groups of animals (n = 8). The animals in first and second groups were treated using distilled water and petrolatum for 20 days, respectively. The third and fourth groups were treated using sarcocolla cream 5% and 10% for 20 days, respectively. The evaluation was performed in all groups on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 17 and 20. Results: The sarcocolla cream 5% and sarcocolla cream 10% exerted significant healing effects on diabetic rat wounds (P<0.001) compared to the control groups under treatment of petrolatum or distilled water. The sarcocolla cream had favorable effects on the woundhealing ratio especially during long-term (14 days), with no difference at concentrations of sarcocolla 5% and 10%. Conclusion: Sarcocolla (topical) therapy is possibly a useful approach for wound healing in diabetic rats. More investigations are needed to elucidate the possible protective mechanisms and safety.
Evaluating the effect of Matricaria chamomilla and Melissa officinalis on pain intensity and satisfaction with pain management in patients after orthopedic surgery
Authors: Saidi Reza , Heidari Haydeh , Sedehi Morteza , Safdarian Behrouz
Published: July 2020

Introduction: The most important compliant of post-operative orthopedic patients is severe and intolerable pain. This pain has negative impacts on patient’s satisfaction with pain management and bone healing after surgery. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effects of Melissa officinalis (Melissa) tea and Matricaria chamomilla (Chamomile) tea on pain intensity and satisfaction with pain management in patients after lower limb orthopedic surgery. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted on 96 patients after lower limb orthopedic surgery in Ayatollah Kashani hospital of Shahrekord city, Iran. Patients were randomized to M. officinalis, Chamomile and control groups with blocking randomization method. For M. officinalis group, 1 g of Melissa tea, for Chamomile group 1 g chamomile tea and for control group black tea was prescribed 3 times a day. Study variables were evaluated before and 30 min after each stage of intervention and then the mean changes of pain intensity and satisfaction before interventions and after each step of intervention were compared between groups. Significance level was considered as P<0.05. Results: Before intervention, the mean scores of pain intensity and satisfaction with pain management had no significance difference between groups. The mean changes of pain intensity and satisfaction with pain management (after first 3 steps of intervention) in M. officinalis and M. chamomilla groups were significantly greater than the ones in control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Prescription of M. officinalis tea or Chamomile tea might be used as effective remedy for reducing pain and increasing satisfaction with pain management after orthopedic surgery.
Enzyme inhibitory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of ethanol fruit extract of Muntingia calabura Linn
Authors: Simamora Adelina , Santoso Adit Widodo , Rahayu Ika , Timotius Kris Herawan
Published: July 2020

Introduction:
Muntingia calabura is used for many medicinal advantages. So far, limited study has been done for the bioactivities of M.calabura fruit. The study aimed to investigate the enzyme inhibitory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of M.calabura fruit. Methods: Ethanol extract of M.calabura fruit was tested for its inhibitory enzyme activities against key enzymes linked to human pathologies, such as diabetes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase), hyperuricemia (xanthine oxidase), and obesity (lipase). The antioxidant properties were investigated using different in vitro assays (DPPH, CUPRAC, reducing power, phosphomolybdenum, metal chelating and DNA-Damage protection assays). The fruit was also evaluated for its antibacterial activity against several gram positive and negative bacteria. Results: The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were 10.85 mgGAE/g and 3.30 mg QE/g, respectively. The fruit extract showed good inhibition against α-glucosidase and α-amylase (IC50 16.74 and 46.49 µg/ml, respectively), with activities stronger than acarbose (100.38 and 152.46 µg/ml, respectively). It exhibited weak inhibitory activity against xanthine oxidase (IC50 0.91 mg/ml) and lipase (IC50 16.48 mg/ml), weaker than the references used for respective test (IC50 allopurinol 5.31 µg/ml and orlistat 0.17 µg/ml). The extract showed antibacterial activities againts Chromobacterium violaceum, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli. The ethanol extract showed weaker antioxidant activities, when compared to ascorbic acid and BHT. However, the extract was able to protect DNA-damage. Conclusions: The study concludes that M. calabura fruit exhibits antioxidant, antibacterial, and enzyme inhibitory properties, thus can be a good source for pharmacological uses.
Investigation of plant flavonoids as potential dengue protease inhibitors
Authors: Jayadevappa Mangala K , Karkera Pooja R , Siddappa Ravikumar Y , Telkar Sandeep , Karunakara Prashantha
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Dengue infection is one of the worldwide problems with an increasing rate. Dengue virus (DENV) belonging to Flaviviridae family carries a positive single strand RNA, consists of four serotypes, gives rise to dengue shock syndrome, undifferentiated fever (DF), and dengue hemorrhagic fever. Unfortunately, there is no licensed drug available for various serotypes and the vaccine candidates are still under investigation. Flavonoids are a group of important phytochemicals of many plants used against various viruses. Therefore, the present study was designed to screen the subset of plant flavonoids against the DENV NS2/NS3 protease of 3L6P and 2VBC of serotype 1 and serotype 4 respectively by in silico docking.Methods: Flavonoids were subjected to docking study using AutoDock Vina. The lead molecule was further investigated for its dengue viral protease inhibition. Further the cytotoxicity of lead molecule was tested by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) study was performed using OSIRIS software.Results: The flavonoids amentoflavone, quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, avicularin, reynoutrin, silymarin and scutallarein showed potential interactions in both serotype 1 and serotype 4 and hence these flavonoids can be served as potential lead candidates to stop viral replication. Amentoflavone, the lead molecule, showed potential in-vitro protease inhibition activity and also the concentration was below the minimal effective level for the in-vitro cytotoxicity test conducted.Conclusion: This finding has laid the groundwork for eventual identification of these flavonoids in developing potential inhibitor candidates for further development by in-vitro extraction and chemical modification methods.
In vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial assays of selected Nigerian commercial herbal formulations
Authors: Ikem Chinedu Joseph , Appiah-opong Regina , Oli Angus Nnamdi , Ugwu Malachy Chigozie , Amoateng Patrick , Agyemang Kojo , Nwobodo David Chinemerem , Esimone Charles Okechukwu
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Malaria remains a life-threatening disease, mainly in tropical and sub-tropical countries of the world. The problem caused by the disease is further compounded by the emergence and spread of multidrug resistant Plasmodium falciparum. Coupled with the poor distribution of modern health facilities, there is resurgence in the use of herbal remedies to treat malaria. In this study, we evaluated the antiplasmodial activities of six commercially available herbal formulations using in vivo and in vitro methods to assess their claimed antimalarial properties.Methods: The antiplasmodial activities of the six herbal formulations were assessed using Chloroquine sensitive P. falciparum parasite strain 3D7 using the SYBR Green in vitro method and the in vivo curative test (established infection) in Plasmodium berghei infected Mus musculus.Results: The six herbal formulations had values of IC50 > 100 μg/mL on 3D7 strain of P. falciparum compared to controls which had IC50 values of 6.92nM (Chloroquine) and 0.75nM (Artesunate). In the curative evaluation (in vivo) the herbal formulations significantly reduced parasitaemia on day 4 (26.3%-77.3 %) and day 7 (45.54%-94.81%) post-treatments (P < 0.05) when compared to the untreated group, which recorded high mortality rate. Conclusion: Findings made in this study lend support to the claim that these herbal formulations have antiplasmodial activities. Percentage inhibitions of parasitaemia of the formulations were all above 50% except M??T capsule which had lower percentage inhibition of parasitaemia.
Analgesic potential of dichloromethane leaf extracts of Eucalyptus globulus (Labill) and Senna didymobotrya (Fresenius) in mice models
Authors: Mworia Joseph Kiambi , Kibiti Cromwell Mwiti , Ngeranwa Joseph JN , Ngugi Mathew Piero
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Pain is managed using conventional drugs like paracetamol, aspirin and diclofenac among others. Synthetic drugs have many side effects. This study aimed at evaluating the analgesic potential of the dichloromethane leaf extracts of Eucalyptus globulus and Senna didymobotrya in mice.Methods: The dichloromethane leaf extracts of E. globulus and S. didymobotrya were subjected to quantitative phytochemical analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS). In vivo analgesic evaluation comprised of nine groups of animals (Swiss albino mice): normal, positive, negative control and six experimental groups that received 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg body weight of each plant extract intraperitoneally. Thirty minutes later, they were injected with 0.01 mL of 2.5% formalin. The animals in positive control group were administered diclofenac (15 mg/kg) and formalin, the normal control mice received 3% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in normal saline, while the negative group received DMSO in normal saline and formalin. All the doses were administered intraperitoneally. The duration of shaking and licking of the injected paw was scored and analyzed.Results: The analysis revealed that E. globulus contained alpha-pinenes, endo-fenchol, α-eudesmol, myrcene, camphene, alpha-phellandrene, limonene, and camphor while S. dymobotrya possessed camphene, alpha-phellandrene, limonene, and camphor. In the late phase, E. globulus at the doses of 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg reduced the paw licking time by 34.03%, 60.79%, 84.33 %, 90.65%, 94.49%, 98.52%, respectively while S. didymobotrya extract reduced the paw licking time by 26.48%, 32.96%, 87.04%, 91.27%, 93.40%, 90.97%, and 96.82%, respectively.Conclusion: The results of this study validate and support the traditional uses of these plants as analgesics.
The pharmacological effect of apricot seeds extracts and amygdalin in experimentally induced liver damage and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ramadan Amer , Kamel Gehan , Awad Nagwa E. , Shokry Aya A. , Fayed Hany M
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) has been widely used for the treatment of several disorders such as liver diseases, but the hepatoprotective and anticancer activities of its seeds were not studied before. In this study, we evaluated the pharmacological effects of apricot seeds extracts and amygdalin on prevention of liver damage and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods: Amygdalin contents of apricot seeds in ethanolic extracts were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) then, the ethanolic apricot seeds extract and amygdalin were evaluated for its hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity and anticancer activity against N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Results: The amount of amygdalin was 5.72 g and 10.22 g/100 g extract for 70% and 99.9% ethanolic apricot seeds extracts, respectively. Pretreatment of the rats with 70% and 99.9% ethanolic apricot seeds extracts (100 mg/kg), amygdalin and silymarin (50 mg/kg) prevented elevation in liver function parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) caused by carbon tetrachloride injection with significant increase in albumin, total proteins, and no effect on total direct bilirubin when compared to those in hepatotoxic group. Both extracts also showed anticancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma via diminishing the elevated serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total, direct bilirubin, albumin, total proteins, alpha-fetoprotein, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) and elevating the decreased hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) level when compared with NDEA- intoxicated group.Conclusion: Apricot seeds possess hepatoprotective and anticancer activities that justify its traditional use, and its potential for the treatment of liver diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma.
Students' Nutrition Literacy and the Existence of Health Care Providers in Iranian Schools
Authors: Mehri Ahmad , Jafari Nasrin , Akbarzadeh Isa , Hadavand Siri Fatemeh , Abbassgholizadeh Nategh
Published: July 2020

Background:The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between Students' nutrition literacy and the existence of health care providers in Iranian schools.Study design:A cross-sectional study.Methods:This study was conducted on 504 students in Ardebil City, northwestern Iran from Oct 2017 to Jan 2018. The FLINT questionnaire was used to assessment the food and nutrition literacy. Socio-demographic characteristics and the existence of health care providers were collected using demographic questionnaire.Results:Nearly 75% of students had not a health care provider. Most students had a low FNLIT (62% males and 58.1% females). The probability of low FNLIT was lower in students with health care providers than those without them (OR=0.46, CI 95%; 0.10, 0.91).Conclusion:One of the reasons for the low nutritional literacy of students may be due to the lack of health care providers in schools. Health educational administrators employ specialized health care providers in Iranian schools.
QSAR and Molecular Docking Studies on Non-Imidazole-Based Histamine H3 Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Hamzeh-Mivehroud Maryam , Khoshravan-Azar Zoha , Dastmalchi Siavoush
Published: July 2020

Background:
In the recent years, histamine H3 receptor (H3R) has been receiving increasing attention in pharmacotherapy of neurological disorders. The aim of the current study was to investigate structural requirements for the prediction of H3 antagonistic activity using quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) and molecular docking techniques. Methods: To this end, genetic algorithm coupled partial least square and stepwise multiple linear regression methods were employed for developing a QSAR model. The obtained QSAR model was stringently assessed using different validation criteria. Results: The generated model indicated that connectivity information and mean absolute charge are two important descriptors for the prediction of H3 antagonistic activity of the studied compounds. To gain insight into the mechanism of interaction between studied molecules and H3R, molecular docking was performed. The most important residues involved in the ligand-receptor interactions were identified. Conclusion: The result of current study can be used for designing of new H3 antagonist and proposing structural modifications to improve H3 inhibitory potency.
Overexpression of ABCC2 and NF-Κβ/p65 with Reduction in Cisplatin and 4OH-Tamoxifen Sensitivity in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells: The Influence of TNF-α
Authors: Alamolhodaei Nafiseh Sadat , Rashidpour Hatam , Ehtesham gharaee Melika , Behravan Javad , Mosaffa Fatemeh
Published: July 2020

Background:
TNF-α, as a pro-inflammatory cytokine in the tumor microenvironment is able to regulate the expression and function of various ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters involved in clinical drug resistance and among them, ABCC2 transporter is represented to contribute to cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) by drug efflux. Methods: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of TNF-α and/or E2 (17β-estradiol) on the mRNA and protein expression levels of ABCC2 and NF-κB (p65) transcription factor in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) MCF-7 cells by QRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Also, we used MTT assay to study the cell sensitivity against the active form of tamoxifen (4OH-TAM), a hypothetical substrate and Cisplatin (Cis), a well-known substrate for ABCC2 used in endocrine and chemo-therapy of breast cancers, respectively. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. Significance was considered in P-values < 0.05. Results: The expression levels of ABCC2 and the active form of NF-κB (p65) were significantly increased following 20-day concomitant treatment with TNF-α and E2, compared to untreated cells as control. Also, the viability assay showed that 20-day TNF-α+E2 treatment led to more sensitivity reduction of MCF-7 cells to Cis and 4OH-TAM compared to E2-treated and untreated cells. Conclusion: Based on our findings, there is a positive correlation between ABCC2 overexpression, over-activity of NF-ҡB/p65 and decreasing the sensitivity of MCF-7 cells to Cis and 4OH-TAM following TNF-α treatment in MCF-7 cells. Further experiments are needed to elucidate possible mechanistic relationship of these findings and their clinical significance in order to circumvent the drug-resistance in breast tumors.