Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Traganum nudatum Delile is a North African endemic medicinal plant commonly used in traditional medicine to treat wounds, hemorrhoids, rheumatism, and ear infections. Nevertheless, there are no scientific reports on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of this plant. The present study aims to assess the therapeutic effect of the aqueous extract of the aerial part of the plant at three doses (40, 80, and 120 mg/kg) on experimentally pain-induced animals. First, the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by carrageenan-induced paw edema on Swiss albino mice. Secondly, the analgesic activity was assessed by the acetic acid-induced writhing test. In addition, UPLC-MS-PDA and GC-MS-FID analyses were performed to screen the possible therapeutic compounds. The anti-inflammatory effect of the aqueous extract at 120 mg/kg for 4 h experiment was significantly higher (89.97± 0.17%) than those of the reference drug acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (0± 0.25%);. In comparison, the analgesic test showed a remarkable reducing pain effect (69.8 ± 1.7%) at the dose of 80 mg/kg, almost similar to those of Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) (72.54 ± 2.26 %). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of therapeutic biomolecules such as flavonoids, mainly rutin (6440± 3.0 μg/g), flavonols (narcissoside 115.1± 1.4 μg/g) and phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid 1480± 1.6 μg/g). GC-MS-FID showed the presence of saturated acids such as behenic and palmitic acid with percentages of 35.58 ± 0.06 % and 17.54 ± 0.09 %, respectively. These were in a higher percentage than the unsaturated fatty acids. These results validated the use of T.nudatum Delile for treating inflammatory and analgesic disorders in folk medicine. The presence of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols and fatty acids, may explain the pharmacological effect of the medicinal plant.

To carry out a thorough study to establish the therapeutic of methanolic and aqueous extract of root of Aralia racemosa and whole plant of Argyreia pilosa against Pheretima posthuma, which is utilized as an experimental model for helminthic. The Aralia racemosa (Root), Argyreia pilosa (whole plant), and Indian adult earthworms (Pheretima posthuma) were collected and identified by an approved taxonomist. Earthworms had been grouped and treated with extracts at a concentration of 10, 20, 40, and 80mg/mL; albendazole of 40mg/mL as standard and normal saline as a control. The paralysis and death time was regarded as an indicator of anthelmintic activity. Crude methanolic and aqueous extracts with concentrations of 10, 20, 40, and 80mg/ml of A. racemosa and A. pilosa showed concentration-dependent activity, but significant activity was observed at 80 mg/mL in both of the plants. The methanolic extract showed better activity than aqueous extracts at all concentrations. The methanolic extract of A. racemosa [P (min) = 2.01, D (min) = 10.52] and A. pilosa [P (min) = 2.45] respectively, the activity was found to be equivalent as compared to the standard drug Albendazole [P (min) = 2.28, D (min) = 5.44]. From the investigation, a conclusion can be drawn that methanolic extracts showed better activity than aqueous extracts of A. racemosa and A. pilosa to treat intestinal worm infections. Since this is a preliminary evaluation, isolation of chemical constituents that are responsible for the activity could be done in the future

This study was conducted to investigate the antifungal properties of Alkanna tinctoria extracts against Trichophyton rubrum (PTCC5143), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (PTCC 5054), and two archived clinical isolates of T. rubrum and T. mentagrophyte. Two reference strains, including T. rubrum (PTCC5143), and T. mentagrophytes (PTCC 5054) (drug-sensitive reference strains), were used, along with two archived clinical isolates of T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes, which show resistance to terbinafine or fluconazole in vitro and clinic. A topical ointment was formulated using the dried extract of A. tinctoria (20%) roots, Vaseline, beeswax, and sesame oil. The ethanolic and aqueous extracts were prepared from the ointment and assessed for antifungal activity. In vivo antidermatophytic activity of A. tinctoria (20%) ointment was examined in six male Sprague Dawley rats infected by T. mentagrophytes. According to the results, both ethanolic and aqueous extracts showed growth inhibition against tested strains. Moreover, all strains were susceptible to amphotericin B (MIC≤0.5 μg/ml). The lowest fungistatic and fungicidal activities were exhibited by the MIC and MFC values of ethanol extract (both with 0.0125 mg/ml) against T. mentagrophytes, as well as the aqueous extracts against T. rubrum. The application of A. tinctoria (20%) ointment on the rats shortened the complete cure of T. mentagrophytes infection to 7 days compared to the 21-day complete cure using terbinafine. In the present study, A. tinctoria showed significant antifungal properties against clinical isolates of dermatophytes with resistance to azoles and terbinafine. Therefore, it can be considered a promising antifungal agent.

Stachys lavandulifolia is one of the most abortive herbs used in Iran. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of hydroalcoholic extract of Stachys lavandulifolia (HAESL) on serum estrogen and progesterone levels during different stages (implantation, abortion, and parturition) of pregnancy in Wistar rats. After observing vaginal plaque, the pregnant rats were randomly divided into three studied groups. Each group received the HAESL for three periods including, implantation (days 3 to 5), abortion (days 10 to 12), and parturition (days 19 to 21) of pregnancy. In the abortion and parturition periods, we observed a significant decrease in the estrogen level following administration of HAESL (300 and 900 mg/kg). In addition, we observed a significant decrease in the progesterone level at the highest dose of HAESL in all stages of pregnancy. In conclusion, the present study suggests that Stachys lavandulifolia may affect the estrogen/progesterone levels due to the presence of flavonoid compounds that subsequently lead to abortion, especially during the abortion and parturition periods.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed extensive morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, an appropriate pharmaceutical treatment has not yet been introduced for this disease, and finding a safe and effective treatment is still ongoing. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Tiban (Mocozift) syrup (an herbal product of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague (Ajwain) and Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (jujube)) in adult patients with COVID-19. Patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either placebo or Tiban syrup 5 cc, three times a day for 14 days, in addition to standard medications of COVID-19. Improvement in clinical outcomes, including cough, fatigue, dyspnea, appetite, and the occurrence of in-hospital mortality, were recorded.A total of 50 patients completed the study. The mean age of the patients was 56.5 years. There were 21 (42%) male and 29 (58%) female patients. There was a significant reduction in dyspnea after taking medication (p=0.001). Patients’ appetite significantly increased in the Tiban group (p=0.001). Also, a significant decrease was observed in the severity of fatigue score in the Tiban group (p=0.001). Compared to the placebo group, an increase in appetite and a decrease in fatigue occurred earlier in the Tiban group.The findings of this study suggest that the combination therapy with Tiban syrup and conventional medicine can reduce severity of dyspnea and fatigue, while it can increase appetite in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.

Salvia reuterana, commonly known as Maryam Goli Esfahani, is a member of the Labiateae family. In Iranian folk medicine, aerial parts of S. reuterana have been used as sedative and anxiety. Evaluation of various extracts of the plant for their analgesic activity revealed that treatment of mice with n-hexane extract (500 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly increased the latency time as compared to the control group. Fractionation of the hexane extract of S. reuterana led to the isolation of sclareol as the main compound (0.19% w/w). Column chromatography was used to isolation of compounds from S. reuterana and a spectroscopic method including NMR was used to identification of the isolated compound. Evaluation of the analgesic effect of sclareol using a hot plate, tail-flick, and formalin tests in mice confirmed the potent analgesic effect of sclareol as an effective compound of S. reuterana. These results showed that the n-hexane extract of aerial parts of S. reuterana and its main constituent sclareol showed significant analgesic activity in different rodent nociceptive behavioral tests.

Lithium (Li) is considered the first-choice treatment for bipolar disorder and has a narrow therapeutic index therefore, a small increase in dose or plasma level can cause toxic effects. Gastrointestinal (GI) decontamination can be regarded as a first-line therapy for acute Li poisoning. Montmorillonite (MMT) is one of the best-known examples of a nanoclay that possesses unique properties for adsorbing substances, especially metals. We investigated the effects of MMT against acute Li intoxication. A single dose of Li (10 mEq/kg) was administered to the rats orally followed by oral gavage of MMT suspensions (0.5 or 1.0 g/kg) or activated charcoal (AC) (1g/kg) 5 min later. The serum Li concentration was measured at different times after treatment. Indeed, the serum level of sodium and potassium, WBC count, activity score, electrocardiogram, brain pathology changes, as well as pharmacokinetic parameters of Li, were evaluated. MMT at higher doses decreased the area under the curve (AUC), the elimination rate constant (Ka), the relative bioavailability (F), and increased the clearance of Li (P<0.05). MMT prevented Li induced leukocytosis, at the first sampling time, (P<0.05). It also exerted significant cardio protection, restored Li-induced ECG changes, heart rate alterations (P<0.001), and prevented Li induced hypoactivity. A similar amount of serum sodium and potassium concentration was observed in the animals. The results indicated that MMT reduced the absorption of Li, and slao possibly increased its clearance. Therefore, MMT may be a good candidate for decontamination, especially substances that are not well adsorbed by AC.

Medicinal distilled waters (hydrola) are substances prepared by distilling water in the presence of aromatic plants or plants without fragrance. In Iran, these waters are often used for medicinal properties. Their taste and smell are similar to plants and volatile substances from which aromatic water is prepared. Some of these aromatic waters have been studied previously. In this manuscript, we have analyzed some hydrolas from some medicinal herbs in Iranian Traditional Medicine. It may be used to identify and standardize such waters. The hydrolas of 13 Iranian medicinal herbs were prepared and analyzed by GC/MS. Major  components of Tripleurospermum disciforme, Citrus aurantium, Alhagi pseudoalhagi, Foeniculum vulgare, Cuminum cyminum, Bunium persicum, Cichorium intybus, Mentha spicata, Anethum graveolens, Salix aegyptica, Zataria multiflora, Rosa damascana and Fumaria parviflora were identified. It is the first report analysis of some hydrola from Iranian medicinal plants except for rose water. This analysis may be a help to the standardization of high-consumption aromatic waters.

This medication utilization evaluation aims to describe the use of rivaroxaban in a tertiary care teaching hospital and to audit the hospital physician’s prescribing practice. A prospective cross-sectional study was performed from March to December 2019 in Alzahra teaching hospital, Isfahan, Iran. All patients who received at least one dose of rivaroxaban were eligible for inclusion. Data were collected on patient demographics, indication, dosing regimen, adverse events, concurrent anticoagulant therapy, and laboratory tests (including renal function). A total of 104 patients were included in our study. Most patients (N=39, 37.5%) were prescribed rivaroxaban for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis. Overall, more than 34% of rivaroxaban prescriptions was appropriate. Rivaroxaban was indicated correctly in all the patients (100% appropriate indication). However, 58.6% and 50% of patients received correct dosing, respectively, based on indication and renal function. High-dose prescribing was the major fault of prescriptions when the renal function was taken into account (82.6%). An appropriate switch occurred in 48.7% of the patients who switched from one anticoagulant to another. Inappropriate prescription of rivaroxaban for many patients in the current study emphasizes the requirement of developing a scientifically well-defined protocol for the use of rivaroxaban in the evaluated hospital. Accordingly, establishing a structured educational program for prescribers and assigning the rivaroxaban prescription to specialized services with consultation with clinical pharmacists is recommended.