Background: Convenient and effective contraceptive methods have been the subject of extensive and versatile research project, during the past 50 years. In this respect, the use of active herbal constituents is one of the topics of research and investigation. Objective: In this study the antifertility activity of seed oil extract of Iranian species of Melia azadarach L. in northern district of country, on male rats, during 2 consecutive steps have been evaluated. Method: The seed oil extract have been prepared according to conventional methods, and were administered orally in 50 and 100 mg/kg daily doses for 60 days. In the first step, the inhibition of fertility indices were assessed with the help of, sperm viability, sperm motility, ESR (Epididymal sperm reserves), DSP (Daily sperm production), GSI (Gonado stomatic index), fertility indices, and serum testosterone content. In the subsequent stage, 3 months after the 60th day of compounds administration, the reversibility of the a formentioned indices are determined again. Result: In the first step, a significant reduction in fertility indices to control especially in higher dose were observed. During the next stage, the significant increase in fertility indices are the indication of reasonable recovery and reversibility of extract activity. Conclusion: In summery, the result of this study of this study showed that its activity is reversible.

Background: There are some reports regarding antidiabetic activity of 4-hydroxyisoleucine, however its hypoglycemic property must be proven completely before presentating as a new drug. Preparing suitable amount of 4-hydroxyisoleucine is nesessary for supporting in vivo studies. Objective: The purpose of the present study was isolation of 4-hydroxyisoleucine, comparing 4-hydroxyisoleucine content in two samples of Fenugreek seeds collected form two distinct parts of Iran and finally the effect of germination and supplementation by isoleucine on 4-hydroxyisoleucine yield. Methods: 4-hydroxyisoleucine was successfully isolated passing seed amino acid extract through ion exchange and silica gel column and then crystallization on methanol. 4-hydroxyisoleucine content in various samples was assessed by GC. Results: Seeds from Northwestern of Iran had higher amount of 4-hydroxyisoleucine in comparison to Central Iran. Furthermore yields from germinating seeds were 2 folds higher than the dried seeds, and could be increased 6 fold by inclusion of isoleucine supplement in the irrigation water. Conclusion: simple procedures can be engaged for improving yields of 4-hydroxyisoleucine isolated from fenugreek up to six-fold by using of germinated seeds supplemented with isoleucine.

Background: Herbal medicine has been used for many years by different cultures around the world for the treatment of diabetes. Objective: The hypoglycemic effect of caraway ethanolic extract (Carum carvi L.) was investigated in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Intraperitoneal administration of caraway ethanolic extract seeds (0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 g/kg body wt.) on the level of serum glucose and insulin in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were evaluated. Before administration and 1, 3 and 5 h after administrations of the ethanolic extract, blood samples were drawn from the retro-orbital sinus. Serum glucose and insulin levels were determined. Results: The results showed that the caraway ethanolic extract seeds at doses 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 g/kg body wt. significantly decreased serum glucose and insulin in diabetic rats in 3 and 5 h but not in healthy rats. Conclusions: It could be proofed that the traditional use of caraway as a hypoglycemic agent is justified and that extract from this plant show a dose-dependent hypoglycemic activity.