@article { author = {Salimi, M. and Sarkhail, P. and Sarkheil, P. and Mostafapour Kandelous, H. and Baeeri, M.}, title = {Evaluation of anti-melanogenic activity of Ziziphus jujuba fruits obtained by two different extraction methods}, journal = {Research Journal of Pharmacognosy}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {1-7}, year = {2016}, publisher = {- The Iranian Society of Pharmacognosy - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2345-4458}, eissn = {2345-5977}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background and objectives: Dried pulps and peels of Ziziphus jujuba fruits are commonly applied as food because of their high nutritional value. It has been widely used in traditional medicine as laxative, tonic, wound healing agent and appetizer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-melanogenic effects of Z. jujuba fruit. Methods: Fruit extracts were obtained by two different extraction methods, percolation (cold extraction) and soxhlet (hot extraction) using methanol 80% as the solvent. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity and anti-tyrosinase capacity of the MeOH extracts from Z. jujuba fruits were evaluated in vitro. In addition, the effects of fruit extracts on the melanin content and cytotoxicity on human melanoma SKMEL-3 cells were determined after 72 hours. Results: The amount of total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the cold extract were found higher in comparison to the hot extract. Moreover, the antioxidant (SC50 =1.40 mg/mL) and anti-tyrosinase activities (IC50 = 0.54 mg/mL) of the cold extract were significantly stronger than the hot extract. At the dose of 500 μg/mL, the cold extract showed weaker toxicity to the melanoma cells than the hot extract. Melanin content of the cold extract was reduced to 30% at this concentration, while the hot extract had no inhibitory effect on melanin formation. Conclusion: The results showed that the percolation method was more suitable for extraction of the (poly) phenolics from Z. jujuba fruits. In addition, the results of tyrosinase activity and melanin content assays suggested that the cold extract of Z. jujuba fruit can be considered as a dermatological whitening agent in skin care products.}, keywords = {anti-tyrosinase,Cytotoxicity,DPPH,melanin,Ziziphus jujuba}, url = {https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_13768.html}, eprint = {https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_13768_4dd7b53314bb68847ae4f29793478eb3.pdf} } @article { author = {Delnavazi, M.R. and Mohammadifar, F. and Rustaie, A. and Aghaahmadi, M. and Yassa, N.}, title = {Phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activity and toxicity potential of Phlomis olivieri Benth.}, journal = {Research Journal of Pharmacognosy}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {9-15}, year = {2016}, publisher = {- The Iranian Society of Pharmacognosy - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2345-4458}, eissn = {2345-5977}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background and objectives: Phlomis olivieri Benth. (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant widely distributed in Iran. In the present study, we have investigated the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activity and general toxicity potential of the aerial parts of this species. Methods: Silica gel (normal and reversed phases) and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatographies were used for isolation of compounds from methanol-soluble portion (MSP) of the total extract obtained from P. olivieri aerial parts. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and UV spectral analyses. Antioxidant activity and general toxicity potential of MSP were also evaluated in DPPH free radical-scavenging assay and brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT), respectively. Results: One caffeoylquinic acid derivative, chlorogenic acid (1), one iridoid glycoside, ipolamiide (2), two phenylethanoid glycosides, phlinoside C (3) and verbascoside (5), along with two flavonoids, isoquercetin (4) and naringenin (6) were isolated and identified from MSP. The MSP exhibited considerable antioxidant activity in DPPH method (IC50; 50.4 ± 4.6 µg/mL), compared to BHT (IC50; 18.7 ± 2.1 µg/mL), without any toxic effect in BSLT at the highest tested dose (1000 µg/mL). Conclusion: the results of the present study introduce P. olivieri as a medicinal plant with valuable biological and pharmacological potentials.}, keywords = {brine shrimp lethality test,Chromatography,DPPH,Lamiaceae,Phlomis olivieri Benth}, url = {https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_13769.html}, eprint = {https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_13769_d859885d12243663a0ee889ad6050653.pdf} } @article { author = {Yazdinezhad, A. and Ramezanloo, N. and Mozaffari, Sh.}, title = {Pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigation of Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fischer}, journal = {Research Journal of Pharmacognosy}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {17-24}, year = {2016}, publisher = {- The Iranian Society of Pharmacognosy - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2345-4458}, eissn = {2345-5977}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background and objectives: Heracleum persicum aerial parts have been used in Iranian folk medicine for their therapeutic activities and as a spice and flavoring agent in Iranian foods and pickles. The present research was conducted to evaluate the pharmacognostic profile of H. persicum which will be useful in standardization for quality, purity, and sample identification. Methods: For quality control, phytochemical and physicochemical parameters such as macroscopic and microscopic evaluations, loss on drying, total ash value, acid insoluble ash, fluorescence standards of the drug and other tests were carried out using the flowers, fruits, stems and leaves of the plant. Results: Light microscopic studies showed various characteristic features including, collateral vascular bundle, oil ducts (vittae) and uniseriate, unicellular trichomes in leaf; collateral and closed vascular bundles, vittae and kidney shaped strands of collenchymatous tissue in stem; parenchymatous cells, commissural and solitary vittae in fruit; and tapetum tissue, pollen grains and fragments of stamens and styles in flower. Phytochemical screening of the aerial plant parts revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins and steroids. Conclusion: The pharmacognostic characters observed in this study will be helpful in correct identification and characterization of H.persicum. Preliminary phytochemical studies may be helpful in further isolation and purification of lead compounds.}, keywords = {Heracleum persicum,pharmacognostic,Phytochemical,standardization}, url = {https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_13770.html}, eprint = {https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_13770_db85c6f025495d8ab0b0c30c7c9ba209.pdf} } @article { author = {Tofighi, Z. and saeidi, Ghazi and Hadjiakhoondi, A. and Yassa, N.}, title = {Determination of cardiac glycosides and total phenols in different generations of Securigera securidaca suspension culture}, journal = {Research Journal of Pharmacognosy}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {23-31}, year = {2016}, publisher = {- The Iranian Society of Pharmacognosy - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2345-4458}, eissn = {2345-5977}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background and objectives: The seeds of Securigera securidaca (L.) Deg. & Dorf. (Fabaceae) are used as anti-diabetic remedy in Iranian folk medicine. The aim of the present study was to establish the callus and suspension culture of S. securidaca seeds for the first time and to determine the major secondary metabolites including cardiac glycosides and total phenols. Methods: The culture of S. securidaca from seeds was initiated in hormone-supplemented MS medium containing 1 and 0.1 ppm 2, 4-D solution for solid and suspension cultures, respectively, sucrose and vitamins (B1, B2, B6, Folic acid, Biotin, Nicotinamide and Ca pantothenate) at 25 °C and 12 h photoperiods. The cardiac glycosides were determined based on the calibration curve of securidaside which was isolated from the seeds extract of S. securidaca. Total phenolic compounds of different generations of suspension culture were determined using Folin Ciocalteu reagent. Results: Callus culture of S. securidaca was grown light cream to pale yellow in color and soft in texture while the cells of suspension culture grew cream to yellow with isolated cells and small aggregates. The production of cardiac glycosides in the 7th generation were more than the seeds extract (p<0.05) and from the 8th generation it reached to a steady state. The amount of phenolic contents were elevated and reached to its peak during the 8th generation but it was much lower than the seeds extract. Conclusion: In vitro culture of S. securidaca showed possibility for production of cardiac glycosides more than the seeds extract.}, keywords = {cardiac glycosides,Phenolic Compounds,plant cell culture,securidaside,Securigera securidaca}, url = {https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_13771.html}, eprint = {https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_13771_2f6033a40df8b79102a55d6aac176b52.pdf} } @article { author = {Ripa, F.A. and Dash, P.R. and Podder, A.K.}, title = {Anti-diarrheal and hypoglycemic activities of methanol extract of Calamus rotang L. seed in rat}, journal = {Research Journal of Pharmacognosy}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {33-40}, year = {2016}, publisher = {- The Iranian Society of Pharmacognosy - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2345-4458}, eissn = {2345-5977}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background and objectives: Calamus rotang is used in traditional medicine. Regarding the previous phytochemical screening of methanol extract of Calamus rotang L. fruits (MCR), this study was performed to find out the antidiarrheal and hypoglycemic effects of the experimented extract in rodents. Methods: Castor oil induced diarrheal test was followed for screening anti-diarrheal effect of MCR. In order to explore the hypoglycemic effect, normoglycemic study, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and study on alloxan-induced diabetic rats were carried out. In each experiment, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight doses of MCR were used. Results: The plant extract showed pronounced, significant (p < 0.01) antidiarrheal activity on both doses in a dose-dependent manner. At higher dose, MCR showed almost similar antidiarrheal effect as standard loperamide.  In case of normoglycemic test, a single dose of MCR caused a significant (p<0.01) reduction in blood glucose level over time compared to the control group. Although metformin reduced blood glucose more rapidly than MCR at both doses, its extent of reduction in blood glucose level was approximately the same as high dose. In OGTT, MCR was active and comparable to that of the glucose treated control group in both doses.  For alloxan induced diabetic rodents, the study revealed that the MCR extracts could decrease the blood glucose level in both doses over a period of three days. Conclusion: Considering the results of the present study, further isolation of active components and establishment of the mechanism of action have to be continued in the future.}, keywords = {alloxane,antidiarrheal effect,Calamus rotang,Diabetes,hypoglycemic effect}, url = {https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_13774.html}, eprint = {https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_13774_54bb3b6db1c822c6ed053e058145a02c.pdf} } @article { author = {Hasani Sadrabadi, Z. and Majd, A. and Hamzeloo-Moghadam, M. and Irian, S.}, title = {Effect of electromagnetic field on okra (Hibiscus esculentus L.) developmental stages and the effect of okra extract on breast cancer cells}, journal = {Research Journal of Pharmacognosy}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {41-45}, year = {2016}, publisher = {- The Iranian Society of Pharmacognosy - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2345-4458}, eissn = {2345-5977}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background and objectives: Electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields can act as stress factors with different effects on biological systems. Due to the nutritional and medicinal values, and the increasing electromagnetic radiations, the present study was performed to investigate the effects of the electromagnetic field on the developmental stages and cytotoxic properties of okra. Methods: Both dry and wet seeds were exposed to electromagnetic field with the intensities of 2 and 4 mT for 60 minutes. MTT assay was applied to evaluate the potential cytotoxic effects of okra extract on MCF-7 cell line. The anatomical structure of leaves in both treated and untreated (control) plants were examined. Results: The results showed that a field intensity of 4 mT increased the speed of germination of wet treated seeds and the stem length of dry treated seeds. MTT assay revealed no cytotoxicity of the aqueous extracts of okra pods up to the concentration of 100 μg/mL from either the treated or the control plants towards the MCF-7 cell line. Conclusion: The results suggest that the electromagnetic fields would be able to increase the speed of germination without effects on percentage of germination.}, keywords = {Electromagnetic field,MCF-7 cell line,MTT assay,okra}, url = {https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_13775.html}, eprint = {https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_13775_16aad9e054980d17f33c58268fad1e06.pdf} } @article { author = {Yousefbeyk, F. and Tabaside, J. and Ostad, S.N. and Salehi Sourmaghi, M.H. and Amin, G.R.}, title = {Investigation of chemical composition and cytotoxic activity of aerial parts of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam.}, journal = {Research Journal of Pharmacognosy}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {47-51}, year = {2016}, publisher = {- The Iranian Society of Pharmacognosy - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2345-4458}, eissn = {2345-5977}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background and objectives: Ziziphora clinopodioides is a perennial herb and grows widely in west and northwest of Iran. The aerial parts are used as appetizer, carminative and antiseptic as well as for the treatment of medical conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma hyperhidrosis, palpitation and insomnia Methods: The aerial parts of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. were extracted by ethanol (70%) and fractionated by n-hexane. The n-hexane fraction was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. This fraction and the total extract were further investigated for in vitro cytotoxic activity against HT-29 (colon carcinoma), K-562 (leukemia), T-47D (breast ductal carcinoma) and NIH-3T3 (Swiss mouse embryo fibroblast) cells using MTT assay. Results:  Nineteen compounds were identified by GC/MS. The main constituents of the n-hexane fraction were pulegone (24.35%), menthol (14%) and menthone (9.61%). The results of cytotoxicity evaluation showed that the n-hexane fraction strongly exhibited cytotoxic activity against T-47D and K-562 cells with IC50 value of 77.41±12.89 and 80±2.56 μg/mL. The total extract did not show considerable activity against any of the cell lines in comparison to the n-hexane fraction. Conclusion: The presence of compounds such as pulegone, menthol and menthone could explain the cytotoxic activity of the n-hexane fraction of Z. clinopodioides Lam on K-562, T-47D and HT-29 cell lines.}, keywords = {Cytotoxic activity,GC/MS,MTT assay,n-hexane fraction,Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam}, url = {https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_13776.html}, eprint = {https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_13776_8fb074d8fe48179854acea4aadd2a15d.pdf} } @article { author = {Rahimi, Sh. and Hasanloo, T.}, title = {The effect of temperature and pH on biomass and bioactive compound production in Silybum marianum hairy root cultures}, journal = {Research Journal of Pharmacognosy}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {53-59}, year = {2016}, publisher = {- The Iranian Society of Pharmacognosy - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2345-4458}, eissn = {2345-5977}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background and objectives: The seed extract of Silybum marianum contains seven flavonolignans known collectively as silymarin. These metabolites can be produced in hairy root cultures of S. marianum. The effect of different physical factors can change root biomass and silymarin production which has been investigated in the present study. Methods: The effect of different physical factors of temperature (30 ºC/25 ºC, 25 ºC/25 ºC and 15 ºC/20 ºC in 16 h/8 h cycle) and pH (5, 5.7, 6 and 7) were evaluated with respect to the root biomass and silymarin production in hairy root cultures of the plant. Results: Incubation temperature, 25 ºC /25 ºC promoted the silymarin production in 4-week old hairy roots (0.18 mg/g DW) as compared with the cultures treated with 15 ºC/20 ºC and 30 ºC/25 ºC (0.13 and 0.12 mg/g DW, respectively). Maximal increases in biomass and silymarin accumulation occurred in the root cultures grown in pH 5 and 25 ºC/25 ºC (0.45 g and 0.26 mg/g DW). The content of silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, silydianin were 0.025, 0.024, 0.061 and 0.095 mg/g DW, respectively which were higher than those grown in higher pH. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that 25 ºC/25 ºC and acidic environment of medium are beneficial for silymarin production using hairy root cultures. Furthermore, lipoxygenase (LOX) activity was strongly affected by pH which suggested that acidic environment may act as inducing signal for LOX activity and subsequently greater silymarin production.  }, keywords = {Hairy Root,pH,Silybum marianum,Silymarin,Temperature}, url = {https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_13779.html}, eprint = {https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_13779_044e9357fa598603cd7298728a18253a.pdf} }