In this study, the effects of wheat bran (insoluble) and ispaghula (soluble) seeds on serum lipids and FBS have been compared in type 2 diabetic patients. In a cross over study, 14 type 2 diabetic patients, treated with diet alone, were randomly placed on isocaloric diets containing either wheat bran (7 patients) or ispaqhula (12 grams/day in both groups) for 3 weeks. After a 10-day wash-out period, dietary fiber supplementation was exchanged and diets were continued for 3 weeks again. Weight, FBS, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL were measured before and after the study. Food records and the differences observed in serum variables were analyzed using Willcoxon non- parametric method and paired t-test respectively. P<0.05 was considered significant. The participants were 4 men and 10 women aged 45±1 years (BMI= 23±1.9 kg/m²). Both wheat bran and ispaghula increased the serum HDL (P<0.01 and P<0.001 respectively). Serum LDL was decreased after consumption of ispaghula (P<0.02). Our results show that dietary intake of fibers, especially in soluble from, can improve lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients.

Milk thisle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) is endemic of several European, African and Asian country like Iran. Althuogh litrature on its uses in Iranian traditional medicine in is not published, but it used extensively in some European country. Several clinical and experimental study undertaken to investigate efficacy of milk thistle seed extract (Silymarin) in several chronic disease. Silymarin contain several compound like flavonoid with antioxidative property and scavengering free radical. Free radicals are by-product of abnormal body metabolism in several chronic diseases and are important factor for late complication and secondary disease. Here in this article the published data on silymarin its effect on oxidative stress and cancer are reviewed.

Background: Taxus species are important due to their content of Taxol, baccatin III, 10- deacetyl baccatin and other taxoids suitable to change to active pharmaceutical ingredients, which are used as anti-neoplastic agents. Investigations on taxoids carried out during the past four decades, resulted in identification of more than 350 taxoids. Objective: This study aimed to isolate and identify taxoids of Taxus baccata endogenous to the north of Iran. Method: Removing of fats, extraction of components with an organic solvent and then separation and purification of components with silica gel based column chromatography was done. Identification was carried out using NMR spectra of components. Results: Taxezopidine-G was separated and identified. Conclusion: Taxezopidine-G in Taxus baccata was isolated which had not been repoted in this spcies, previously.

Hypericum perforatum L., also known St. John's wort, is a herbaceous perennial belonging to Hypericaceae family that is a native of Western Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The importance of this plant as a phytopharmaceutical, especially for treatment of mild to- moderately severe depression, has significantly increased in the last few years. The major active constituents are considered to be Hypericin (a naphtodianthrone) and Hyperforin (a prenylated phloroglucinol), although other biologically active constituents eg. Flavoneids and tannins are also present. However, Hypericin is utilized as the key compound in measuring the quality of St.Johns wort and is typically used as the measure of extract potency, although recent studies indicated that hyperforin may be the antidepressive agent in St. John's wort. However, St. John's wort is one of the top- selling herbal products, which has an important place in world market.

Background: Thymus kotschyanus (Lamiaceae) is a valuable plant species which mainly grow in mountainous regions. Different species of this plant have worldwide distribution especially in Mediterranean region. The plant is a woody, small, patchy, or perennial herb with a woody base. It is well known as a medicinal plant with energetic and antibacterial actions. The essence is especially used in drying industries, cosmetics and trade industries. Methods: To study genetical biodiversity of the T. kotschyanus and interaction of ecological conditions on the plant essence. The samples were collected from three elevation bands and the essence combination were analysed. Results: The results showed that essence content were between 0/95 - 1/87% and the yield is 1.23% and due to high content of essence is valuable in drugs industry. Generally, 37 different combinations were analysed by GC-MS. in elevation bands which showed Carvacrol (60.82- 82.05%) and Thymol (1.56-13.94%) are the most important substances in T. kotschyanus. Conclusion: This study showed that essence of this species has high content of Thymol and Carvacrol which are two medically important.

Background: Parsley (Petroselinum hortense Hoffm.) is one of the most famous medical and nutritional herb. Fruits of parsley traditionally used as diuretic, appetizer, vasodilator,... with out any side effects. Also, it is used in cosmetic industry as a deodorant to cure halitosis and in nutritional industry. Objective: Study of microscopical characteristic, extraction and identification of the essential oil of the chemical composition of Parsley seed, is the main aims of this study. Methods: For this research, fruits have seen purchased from the market of Tehran and Identified. Microscopical characteristic will be done using light microscope and extraction of the essential oil will be done with hydro-distillation method using Clevenger apparatus and then identified after GC/MS findings. Results: Endosperm containing crystals of calcium oxalate and oil spots, parts of compact cells of Endocarp, a group of fibro vascular, Epiderm tissue containing fragment of a vitta, were the most fragments of the powdered seed. The total amount of the Essential oil was 1% V/W and the most analyzed compounds were: 1,8 cineol (59.2%)-- phellandren (18.6%)- -pinene (7.6%). Conclusion: There was no difference between the microscopical characters of the powdered seeds of Iranian cultivated Parsley with the cultivated specimen in other country. The absence of two compounds Apiol (aborticide agent) and Miristicin (agent causing euphoria) in Iranian cultivated Parsley is a significant safe character for the using of the Iranian specimen in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Background: One of the essential problems of using medicinal plants which are mostly collected from the wild is their fungus and microbial infections. Nowadays, exposing the plants to Gamma radiation apparently removes the problem. But, as the plants contain outstanding amount of chemical substances, the exposition can lead to a change in the composition of the plants chemicals and therefore a change in their medicinal effects. Making poisonous, carcinogen or stimulant substances in the plants could be examples of this change. Objective: The aim of this research was evaluating effect of Gamma radiation on chemical composition of ten medicinal plants essential oils Mentha, Coriandrum, Foeniculum, Zingiber, Cuminum, Bunium, Melissa, Thymus and Zataria. Methods: Essential oil of the species before and after Gamma radiation were obtained over Clevenger apparatus, analyzed using GC and GC/MS and identified based on RT, KI and authentic references. Results: Results showed that within ten species, the Coriander oil was affected with the 10 & 25 KG of Gamma radiation and changed to the another components. Conclusion: These results of experiment can alert the world, to the threatening consequences of using Gamma radiation concerning human health.

Background: Garlic is used world wide to give flavor to foods as pecols ect. by different nations specially by Iranian society. The dominant believe is, the garlic therapeutic effects on patients with gastric discomfort and digesting problems.
Objective: in this study we aimed to investigate the garlic effect on gastric acid and pepsin in both basic and stimulated condition by electrical stimulus of vogues nerve in rat.
Methods: in an experimental study two groups of 12 wistar rats were selected. to make the animal unconscious, 50_mg/kg Sodium Tiopantal were given ip. and each rat was tracheostomized, laparatomized, gastrodeodonostomized and then 100_mg/kg of garlic extract dissolved in 9%saline was introduced to stomach of animal. The vagus nerves of both side of the neck released from carotid sheet and stimulated with 15millivolts, frequency 4 Herts and 1 milisecond wide.
The stomach secretions then washed out in following stages; first base, second base, vagus stimulated conditions and reverse to base. The acid amounts of washing were measured by titrometry and pepsin amounts were measured with Anson technique.
Results: the acid and pepsin secretion were significantly increased in rats received garlic extracts (p<0.000 p<0.05 respectively). Stimulation by vagus nerves in control group significantly increased the level of acid (p<0.05) and pepsin (p<0.05) and garlic treated group had similar secretion rate to stimulated group. Furthermore there were no significant relationship between sex of studied rats.
Conclusion: consumption of garlic in the diet has lots of benefits for digestion of foods, so it can be beneficial for those patients with digestive problems, however it should be noted that people with digestive dysfunction related to increased level of gastric acid or pepsin must avoid garlic consumption. Therefore patient with gastritis and duodenal ulcer are not allowed to take garlic in their diet.

Background: Narcissus tazetta of the Amaryllidaceae is a monocotyledon, perennial and bulbous plant. This ornamental fragrant plant has various alkaloids that have shown anti tumor, anti virus and anticholinergic activities. Objective: In this study, we have investigated the alkaloids of the bulbs of Narcissus tazetta (post flowering) from Gilan province, north of Iran. Methods: Ethanolic extract of bulbs were prepared. Then the alkaloids were extracted with different solvents (Et2O, CHCl3, Na2CO3 solution) to yielding a brown gum. This extract was Done chromatography by TLC on silica gel. The separated alkaloids were identified by the study of their NMR, IR and MASS spectra. Results: The bulbs of Narcissus tazetta from Gilan province were found to contain homolycorine as the major alkaloid as well as tazettine and ismine. Conclusion: This is the first report of ismine identification in the N. tazetta whereas tazettine and demethylated derivative of homolycorine, that have medicinal properties, were found previously.

Sumac is a shrub with a long history of application in traditional medicine and Iranian cuisine. It grows wild in the region from the Canary Islands over the Mediterranean area to Iran and Afghanistan. The word “sumac” is derived from Aramaic word “sumaqa” which means red. Aside from some studies on sumac as an antioxidant, an anti hyperglycemic, and an anti hyperuricemic agent, many articles have been recently published on antimicrobial activities of sumac because of the advent of new microbial resistances and the need to find new antimicrobial agents. Reviewing the articles suggests that total extracts of sumac fruit have antibacterial activity against both Gram- positive and Gram- negative bacteria but it also shows that sumac fruit has no effect on fungi and anaerobics. More investigation should be conducted on: 1) Fractionization of total extracts and purification of their components to recognize safety use of and ability of sumac as an antimicrobial 2) Effects of sumac on resistant bacteria and its potential capability as an antimicrobial agent.

Conclusion: According to obvious difference in the composition of the essential oils prepared by two different methods (SCFE & HD), it seems that extraction method differ chemical composition of the oil and probably affects pharmacological properties.

Background: There is no certain result in the field of industrial pharmacy approaching to find effective drugs in prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, like the control of lipid factors that are a major risk factors of atherosclerosis. Also the tendency of people to use herbal medicine is increasing. Objective: In this study effect of Gundelia tourenfortii L. on some cardiovascular risk factors in animal model assigned by analysis of biochemical factors. Methods: Twenty male rabbits were randomly divided in to 4 groups as: Normal diet, Normal diet supplemented with Gundelia tourenfortii L., high cholesterol diet, and high cholesterol diet supplemented with Gundelia tourenfortii L. Fasting Blood samples were taken at the first and end of the study. Results: Gundelia tourenfortii L. decrease the cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL - cholesterol, VLDL-Cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, oxidized LDL and factor VII. Also increase the level of HDL-Cholesterol and apolipoprotein A comparing to high cholesterol diet. Conclusion: Gundelia tourenfortii L. by decreasing lipid, lipoproteins and some cardiovascular new risk factors like apolipoprotein B, Oxidized-LDL and coagulation factor decrease atherosclerosis.

Conclusion: As a result of this experiment, these plants can be candidate for further studies due to their antifungal potencies.

Background: Geum kokanicum Regel et schmath, a member of Rosaceae family, is an endemic perennial rhizomatous plant of Iran. This plant has a consideration attention in the treatment of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders. Objective: In this study, the anti bacterial effects of total extract and fractions of rhizome of plant were investigated. Methods: Rhizomes of G. kokanicum were collected in June 2006 from Bojnourd (khorasan province). The dried rhizomes were extracted with ethanol to prepare the total extract. Another part of the rhizomes was separately extracted with petrolium ether, dichloromethane, methanol and water successively in order to obtain different fractions. The antibacterial effects of total extract and fractions were investigated with disc diffusion method. Results: The results shows Staphylococcus aureus were susceptible against total extract and methanol fraction. This fraction (10 mg/disc) was indicated the largest zone diameters (19 mm). The MIC Values of total extract was investigated. Among the bacterial strains, Staphylococcus epidermitus demonstrated high sensitivity to the total extract of G. kokanicum (0.125 mg/ml). Conclusion: The zone diameters of total extract was 18 mm on S. aureus in 10 mg/disc. Phytochemical analysis of total extract was shown the large amounts of tanan compounds. We suspect the antibacterial effect is for tanan compounds. This was demonstrated by bioautography method analysis of tanan part isolated form methanol fraction.

Background: Iran is a land of great heritage of ancient medical scholars. Herbal medicines, as a basement of treatment of diseases have been clearly described in the medical texts of these scholars including Rhazes, Avicenna, and others. Numerous plants are introduced in these texts to treat those diseases likely to be infective ones. Few attempts have been made to evaluate ethnopharmacological aspects of these plants. Objective: In the present study selected specimens of plants described in ancient Iranian medical texts to treat infective conditions were evaluated for antibacterial activity. The hypothesis of this study was that the plants described in the ancient medical texts possess antibacterial properties. Methods: In this study, ten specimens of these plants were selected from various texts. Their scientific terminologies were prepared based on various respected sources. The antibacterial activity of hydroalcoholic extracts of these herbs, as well as their MICs and MBCs were evaluated according to standard techniques. Results: Results of this study showed that almost all of 10 specimens showed considerable antibacterial activity. The MIC and MBC of some herbs showed strong activity against gram positive and gram negative microorganisms. MICs and MBCs of Heracleum persicum and antibacterial activity of Zea mays are reported for the first time in this study. Conclusion: The antibacterial activity of the selected plants supports their old uses as anti-infective agents. The results of this survey also showed antibacterial activity of Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johst. and Teucrium polium L. traditionally used as poultice for infective wounds. H. persicum traditionally used in Iran as spice can play a valuable role in preventing food poisoning. The data of this study supported the importance of ethnopharmacological approach and opened also the new doors to future researches in this field.

Background: The genus Ballota (Lamiaceae) is comprised of about 90 species all over the world. Remarkably, three species of this genus are growing in Iran, that is used in traditional medicine [1]. Objective: Investigation on the essential oil composition of Ballota nigra ssp. anatolica. Methods: The aerial parts of B. nigra ssp. anatolica were collected during the flowering stage from Shahnajar village, Kojur, Mazandaran Province, in July 2007. Hydrodistillation was performed using a Clevenger-type apparatus for 3 hours to yield 0.7% (w/w) of yellowish oil. Essential oil was analyzed with GC and GC/MS techniques. The constituents of the essential oil were identified by comparison of their mass spectra and retention indices (RI) with those given in the literature and authentic samples. Results: Twelve components were determined in the essential oil of B. nigra spp. anatolica, representing 91.8% of the oil. Conclusion: Germacrene D (18.1%), Nerolidol epoxyacetate (15.4%), Sclareoloxide (12.1%), Linalyl acetate (11.5%), β - Caryophyllene (10.5%), were found to be the major constituents. The oil of B. nigra spp. anatolica consists of oxygenated monoterpens (18.1%) and sesquiterpens (73.7%).

Background: Historical documents belonging to medicine and pharmacy consist of valuable information about the herb and medicinal plants. Objective: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial and phytochemical properties of 10 selected medicinal plants including of Echinophora platyloba D.C., Eucalyptus globulus Labill, Euphorbia denticulata Lam., Hypericum perforatum L., Hypericum hyssopifolium Chaix, Hypericum scabrum L., Juniperus excelsa M.B., Peganum harmala L., Plantago major L. and Scirpus lacustris L. in preventing the growth of pathogenic Nocardia in-vitro. All species of Nocardia are found in nature in the soil and aquatic environments. The bacteria are aerobic, gram-positive, partially acid fast bacilli. Nocardia asteroides a highly pathogenic microorganism infects humans through the respiratory tract. The bacterium is primarily an opportunistic pathogen that causes the infection in patients with immunodeficiency. Nocardia brasiliensis is most commonly responsible for cutaneous infections. Methods: The antibacterial ability and phytochemical properties of methanolic extract of the above herbs against species of pathogenic Nocardia were investigated by means of appropriate agar distribution methods. After incubating of the cultured media, the diameter of the clean zone formed in each concentration was measured and correlated to the ability of the extracts to inhibit the growth of Nocardia strains. Results: According to the results, the various concentrations of the 5 medicinal plants out of the 10 herbs e,g, Hypericum perforatum L., Hypericum, hyssopifolium Chaix, Hypericum scabrum L., Juniperus excelsa M.B., Scirpus lacustris L. have significant antibacterial activity against Nocardia asteroides and N. brasiliensis. Conclusion: Interestingly the results show inhibitory effects of the medicinal plants on different strains of the Nocardia in-vitro. It was found that the 5 medicinal plants out of the 10 herbs have potent antibacterial property. We came to this conclusion formed by 10% concentration of the above herbal extracts in appropriate distribution routs, were similar to that of the clear zones formed by specific antibiotic against Nocardia species, e.g. Amikacin, Amoxicillin, Ceftazidime, Ceftizoxime/Cefotaxime, Cephalothin, Cotrimoxazol. The antibacterial activity of the above herbs is probably associated to the potency of strong antibacterial properties of flavonoids, saponins and tanans presents in the methanolic extraction of the above medicinal plants.

Background: There are many reports about anti-inflammatory effect of Anethum graveolens L.(A.g) in Iranian traditional medicine. In current decade, based on using of neutriceuticales for healing, the use of herbal drugs became very common. Objective: In this study, regarding the mentioned purposes, we have evaluated anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of Hydroalchoholic Extract of A.g seeds. Methods: In this research, male mice were used and in inflammatory test they were divided to 6 groups: control, dexamethasone (15 mg/kg), seed A.g. extract (100,200, 400,500mg/kg). All of the drugs were administered intraperitonally. The inflammation was caused by xylene-induced ear oedema. In order to evaluate the antinocicetive of Anethum graveolens L. seed, we used formalin test. Mice were divided to 6 groups: control, seed A.g. extract (100,200, 400, 500 mg/kg). All of drugs were administered intraperitonally. Results: The results indicated that A.g. extract has anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects. Conclusion: This study suggests A.g extract as a candidate for pain relieving for further studies.