Background: Glycyrrhiza glabra L. has been used in respiratory diseases, gastric and duodenal ulcers and liver insufficiencies for many years. The plant grows in different regions of Iran. Since our country is considered one of the greatest exporting countries of the plant roots, investigation of licorice quality from different parts of Iran and determination of the best area for its growing seems to be important. Objective: According to validated references, glycyrrhizic acid percentage and water-soluble extractives are determinative of quality therefore, in this investigation, these two factors have been measured in the plants collected from different regions of Iran. Method: Roots of the plant were collected from Kerman, Kermanshah, Sirjan, Sarhadd (Fars province), Istahban (Fars province), Ghasredasht (Fars province), Najaf Abad (Isfahan province), Ganjnameh (Hamedan province), Ekbatan (Hamedan province), Mahabad, Khorram Abad and Ardabil and water-soluble extractives using maceration method and glycyrrhizic acid percentage with HPLC technique were determined in each sample. Results: The results showed that the amount of water-soluble extractives and glycyrrhizic acid are high in samples from Kermanshah, Sarhadd and Kerman while these two factors are the lowest in the plant roots collected from Ekbatan and Ganjnameh. Conclusion: The plant roots collected from Kermanshah, Sarhadd and Kerman have the highest quality and are the best for medicinal purposes, sweetening and flavoring agent and for exporting as well.

Background: Woodfordia fruticosa is used traditionally as antidysenteric compound for fodder animals. Stem and flower extracts are previously flourished for their antibacterial activity. Leaves are also equally important, which are preliminary screened for their bioactive components in present study. Objective: Evaluation of antibacterial activity of leaves of W. fruticosa and detection of their active compound. Methods: Different solvent i.e. petroleum ether, chloroform, diethyl ether and acetone extracts were studied against four bacterial strains using disc diffusion assay. Most potenz extract was chromatogram on preparative TLC. Further individual separated spots were back checked for their activity. Probable constituents of most active fraction were detected on GC-MS. Results: All four extracts exhibited antibacterial activity. The acetone extract showed highest inhibition against Bacillus subtilis NCIM 2921. The 80 μg and 120 μg of acetone extract exhibit comparable antimicrobial activity against the four different bacteria studied. Amongst the four different spots on TLC chromatogram three of them had activity against B. subtilis NCIM 2921. The most active fraction was collected by preparative TLC and used for GC-MS, which exhibited two peaks. Conclusion: Extracts of petroleum ether, chloroform, diethyl ether and acetone were found to be effective against all the srains studied. The fraction of acetone extract, which is more active, constitutes two different compounds, in which both or one of them is responsible for antibacterial activity.

Background: Lead, an example of heavy metals, has, for decades, being known for its adverse effects on various body organs and systems such that their functions are compromised. Objective: In the present study, the ability of Lycopersicum esculentum on decrease toxic effects of lead acetate on plasma superoxide dismutase, catalase and malondialdehyde in Rat. Lead to adversely affect the Liver tissue apoptosis was investigated and Lycopersicum esculentum: Source of antioxidants was administered orally to prevent the adverse effects of Pb. Methods: Eighteen wistar rats, randomized into three groups (n = 6), were used for this study. Animals in Group A served as the control and was drinking distilled water. Animals in Groups B and C were drinking 1% Lead acetate (LA). Group C animals were, in addition to drinking LA, treated with 1.5 ml of Lycopersicum esculentum /day. All treatments were for 10 weeks. Results: The obtained results showed that Pb caused a significant reduction in the liver weight, plasma and tissue superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, but a significant increase in plasma malondialdehyde concentration. Conclusion: These findings lead to the conclusion that Lycopersicum esculentum significantly lowered the adverse effects of Pb oxidative stress.

Background: The application of antioxidant films is a promising strategy for controlling chemical spoilage of food. Objectives: Antioxidant chitosan films incorporated with grape seed extract (GSE) were developed with the objectives of investigation of their characteristics. Methods: Chitosan film was developed by casting method and the effect of different concentrations of GSE (0, 0.5, 1 and 2%) on mechanical, color (accordance with hunter system [L* (luminosity), α* (redness), and b* (yellowness)], antioxidant characteristics, total phenol (TP), and swelling index (%SI) of films were evaluated. Results: Generally, the tensile strength of GSE formulated films was influenced by the concentrations of GSE. The 2% GSE/ chitosan films revealed tensile strength similar to unsupplemented film. Concerning color of chitosan film, results indicated that by incorporating GSE, significant changes on L*, α*, b* values were appeared (p0.05). The antioxidant activity of GSE formulated films was considerable due to the high source of phenolics. This activity was affected by GSE concentrations, which were significant for film containing 0.5% (37.85%) 1% (39.16%) and 2% (41.57%) GSE in comparison with control (12.34%) (p 0.05). The results also revealed that by increasing the amount of GSE, the TP and %SI were significantly increased. Conclusion: The results indicated that all characteristics of films were influenced by the extent of GSE. Improvement in antioxidant and total phenol of GSE assimilated films is appreciated. Such films are suitable for handle in preserving food.

Background: Bio-stimulators as biological substances stimulate metabolism and metabolic processes, which can be increase plants yield and secondary metabolites content. Objective: The aim is to introduce bio-stimulators as bioactive amino acid compounds to increase yield and help to sustainable agriculture. Methods: This experiment was conducted at ACECR on the base of randomized complete blocks design with three replications in 2011. The treatments were commercial formulations of Aminolforte, Kadostim, Fosnutren, Humiforte (each of them 0.75 and 1.5 L.ha-1), chemical fertilizer NPK (70 kg.ha-1), and control treatment (no foliar application). Results: The treatments had significant effect on the studied parameters except SPAD value. Humiforte 1.5 L.ha-1 caused increase in plant dry weight to 37.46%, capitula dry weight to 36.92%, leaf area to 34.44%, relative water content to 32.03%, harvest index to 20.40%, capitula number/plant to 40.64%, total carbohydrates of capitula to 18.43%, total flavonoids of leaves to 19.35%, and total flavonoids yield of leaves to 38.63% compared to control. The highest amount of total flavonoids in capitula (0.25%, with increase to 32% compared to control) was related to Aminolforte 1.5 L.ha-1. Kadostim 1.5 L.ha-1 increased plant height to 36.83%, leaves number to 26.65% and total flavonoids yield of capitula to 38.82%, total carbohydrates of leaves to 13.52%. Content of N, P and K increased with foliar application of bioactive amino acid compounds. Conclusion: Humiforte and Kadostim 1.5 L.ha-1 were the best treatments in regard to existence of amino acid compounds and macro-nutrients of N, P and K in their formulations.

Background: Paraquat (PQ) is a herbicide and exerts its cytotoxicity via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). There is no specific treatment for PQ poisoning. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate of hydroalcoholic ‎ extract Matricaria chamomilla L. (M. chamomilla) ‎‏‏against PQ-induced injury in association with its antioxidant activity. Methods: The male rats were treated by gastric gavage daily with PQ (5 mg/kg/day) and M. chamomilla (50 mg/kg/day) were administered alone or in combination for 7 days. After treatments, in blood sample, lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. Results: In this sample, the TAC was lower in the PQ group as compared with control group. PQ increased LPO level, GPx and SOD activities compared control group M. chamomilla extract increased TAC and decreased LPO level, GPx and SOD activities compared PQ group. Co-administration of PQ with M. chamomilla extract increased TAC and decreased GPx and SOD activities as compared with PQ group. Conclusion: In conclusion, M. chamomilla ‎as natural antioxidant may be considered beneficial for the protection oxidative damage in PQ poisoning.

In recent years, metabolism researches using nanomaterials have been focusing on human and animal cells, and therefore very limited data are available about influence of nanomaterials on biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in plant cells. Plants produce different types of secondary metabolites including terpenoids, phenolics, tannins, and alkaloids, which are known to act as vital mediators for the interaction with other living (biotic) or non-living (abiotic) agents under stressful conditions. Elicitors may induce physiological and biochemical processes of the target plants and activate defense mechanisms. Application of signaling molecules as elicitors has evolved an efficient technique for the production of pharmaceutically active compounds in plants. However, relatively little has been done regarding the application of nanomaterials as potential elicitors for production of industrially valuable compounds. Here, we provide studies proving that nanomaterials can function as elicitors of plant defensive chemistry that are mostly accompanied by enhanced production of different secondary metabolites.

Background: Exposure of the skin against occupational hazards is growing every day. Many scientists are trying to identify aspects about the mechanisms of damages done to the skin by them. The skin is the second metabolism organ of the body where redox-dependent metabolic pathways overcome. By considering the UV index, Iranians are at high risk of UVB damage by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that leads to skin aging.
Objective: In this study, we discuss the effects of the UVB rays on redox system; evaluate and compare the protective role of Silymarin and Vitamin C against UVB-induced skin aging.
Method: Male Balb/C mice were divided into 6 groups of 6 mices: Silymarin, Vitamin C, Control, UVB exposed, UVB exposed treated with Silymarin and UVB exposed treated with Vitamin C. The inhibitory effect of Silymarin and Vitamin C for skin aging were determined by wrinkle formation, epidermal thickness and dermal inflammation. The anti-photo aging effects of Silymarin and Vitamin C have been assessed by SOD, GSH, GSH_PX and TAC kits.
Results: The flake in UVB irradiated groups was significantly different (P<0.05). The mean length of the wrinkle in UVB irradiated group very significantly increased (P<0.01) and the collagen reduction, increased in very high significant different in aged control group (P<0.001). The mean TAC in VitaminC group increased very significantly high. (P <0.0001)
Conclusion: The results indicate that the Silymarin and Vitamin C have anti-photo aging effects suggested to use in anti-wrinkle, anti erythematosus, anti-inflammatory topical cosmetics products.

Background: Oxidative stress results from imbalance in the body's redox position, which results in tissue damage due to increased intracellular radicals. Antioxidants prevent the oxidation of fatty acids and prevent foam cells and atherosclerotic plaque. Portulaca, which is one of the supplements, is considered as an antioxidant-rich plant.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of eight weeks of Portulaca supplementation on antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress in non-active girls.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on non-active girls (overweight and obese) with an age range of 20-30 years in Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University. 20 subjects were qualified and randomly divided into two control (n = 10) and complement (n = 10) groups. Subjects of supplemented group received 1200 portulaca mg per day for eight weeks. Data were analyzed by t-test using by SPSS20 software. Statistical significance criterion was set as P<0.05.
Results: The results showed that serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase(GPX) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were significantly increased in the supplemented group (P<0.05), while the amount of malondialdehyde (MAD) decreased, this decline was not statistically significant (P> 0.05).
Conclusion: Portulaca supplements are likely to be effective in improving cardiovascular health and preventing cardiovascular disease and strengthening the antioxidant system in overweight and obese people, and destroys lipid peroxidation that produces ROS.

Background: The effect of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch. on the metabolic syndrome and physical fitness of active people have been less studied.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of B. persicum consumption on metabolic syndrome indices, muscle strength, and cardio-respiratory function in active middle-aged women.
Method: The research method was quasi-experimental and 20 active middle-aged women were selected and were randomly divided into two experimental (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. The assessments were carried out in two stages (pre-supplementation and post-supplementation). The duration of supplementation was eight weeks (a 3.5 g B. persicum per day). Subjects’ general characteristics, cardio respiratory function, muscular strength, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, blood pressure, and waist circumference were measured. To analyze the data, two factor analysis of variance with repeated measurements was used at the significant level of P<0.05.
Results: B. persicum consumption decreased triglyceride level, while has no significant effects on body weight, body fat percent, body mass index, waist circumference, fasting blood sugar, HDL-c, total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, upper body muscle strength, lower body muscle strength, and cardio respiratory function.
Conclusion: The consumption of B. persicum for eight weeks and 3.5 g daily improves triglyceride levels in active middle-aged women, but does not seem to have an impact on other indicators of metabolic syndrome and selected components of physical fitness.