Hadiseh Esfade, Ghadireh Mirabolghasemi, Mahnaz Azarnia,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (8-2019)
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is known to be resistant to insulin, to dysfunction of beta cells and to increase liver glucose production. Poor glucose control during hyperglycemia causes damage to the tissues and creates dangerous consequences, such as infertility. Chronic hyperglycemia has harmful effects on the growth of follicles, which is essential for normal female sexual function. Metformin is the most widely prescribed drug in diabetes, but chemical drugs, despite their undeniable benefits, have destructive effects, so alternative strategies for current modern diabetes medications are essential. Herbal medicines are widely used by patients, based on non-medical recommendations and as blood-glucose-lowering agents, including the nettle. Nettle contributes to lower plasma glucose levels by secreting insulin and increasing the proliferation of beta cells in the pancreas. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of nettle extract as a supplement of metformin on ovarian tissue of diabetic model. In this experimental study, 30 female Wistar rats were used. Animals were weighed and randomly divided into 5 groups (n=6). 1) control group 2) diabetic group who were diabetic with intravenous injection of alloxan (150 mg / kg) 3) diabetic group + Nettle root extract (150 mg / kg) 4) diabetic + metformin (150mg / kg) 5) Diabetic group + Metformin(150 mg / kg) + Nettle root extract(150 mg / kg). At the end of treatment, the effect of metformin and nettle root extract on ovarian tissue and biochemical factors such as blood glucose and sex hormones were compared and the data obtained were analyzed by SPSS. Hyperglycemia and body weight loss after metformin and nettle root increased for 4 weeks. Simultaneous administration of metformin and extracts of nettle root significantly increased the primordial, primary, secondary, and corpus luteum and reduced the atretic follicles and significantly increased FSH, LH and testosterone levels as compared with metformin alone. The results of this study showed that the root of nettle with its antioxidant compounds and other properties could be a complement to metformin with a corrective effect on hyperglycemia and the improvement of ovarian disorders.
َamjad Saedi, Hossein Moradi, Mahnaz Karimi,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (12-2019)
Abstract
Aloe vera L. is one of the most valuable plants in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, sanitary and food industries. In vitro culture is used for commercial production and due to the abundant application of this plant, extensive research has been performed on the in vitro culture of Aloe vera. For this purpose, the present study was conducted at two stages. At the first stage, the best method of sterilization of explants derived from Aloe vera offshoots was investigated. At the second stage, the effect of the type of explants, the light condition (dark and bright) and the effect of BAP (Benzyl Amino Purine) and NAA (α-Naphthalene acetic acid)) growth regulators on regeneration and the amount of phenolic compounds were studied. A factorial experiment was executed on the basis of a completely randomized design with three replications. The best sterilization protocol was 0.1% mercuric chloride (for 2 minutes), 70% ethanol (for 30 seconds) and 15% sodium hypochlorite (for 5 minutes). The little white explant derived from the base of leaves, with the lowest percentage of phenol and the highest survival rate (67.5%) in darkness, was found to be the best candidate. MS medium supplemented with 0.75 mg / L BAP and 0.25 mg / L NAA resulted in the highest stem number (2.5) and stem length (42.107 mm), establishment percentage (73%), leaf number (6.33), leaf diameter (4.8 mm), chlorophyll b (9.216 mg/g) and carotenoids (4.81 mg/g). The highest content of chlorophyll a (56.07 mg/g) and total chlorophyll (61.35 mg/g) were found in samples treated with hormonal medium, supplemented with 1.5 mg / L of BAP with 0.5 mg / L of NAA. The maximum number (3) and average length (33.3 mm) of roots were observed in samples treated with the hormone-free medium.
Ms Afsaneh Teymouri, Dr Atefe Amirahmadi, Dr Reza Naderi, Dr Fatemeh Salimi, Dr Reza Sheikhakbari-Mehr,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
The identification and introduction of medicinal plants hold significant importance in modern life. The genus Pycnocycla, belonging to the Apiaceae family, includes eight endemic species in Iran. P. spinosa has attracted attention due to its medicinal properties. This study aims to investigate the effect of three habitats (the Damghan, Semnan, and Kerman city) on the antimicrobial properties of extracts obtained from Pycnocycla spinosa using different solvents. To examine the antimicrobial properties, methanolic, ethyl acetate, and hexane extracts at a concentration of 2 mg/ml were tested against two pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria, Yersinia enterocolitica and Salmonella enterica, using the agar disk diffusion method. The results indicated that the extracts had varying effects on the bacteria. Additionally, the different geographical regions of Iran, due to their distinct climatic conditions, exhibited varying effects on the bacteria. Extracts from Kerman, especially those using methanol and ethyl acetate as solvents, showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Salmonella enterica. Therefore, the type of solvent and habitat can significantly influence the antimicrobial properties of plants.