Maryam Tehranipour, Jina Khayyatzade, Reyhane Javaheri Fard,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (4-2010)
Abstract
Background: Following the reduction of neurons due to peripheral nervous injuries, the number of neuroglial cells also decline because of not receiving vital factors. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effects of curcuma longa total extract on spinal cord neuroglia cell degeneration after sciatic nerve compression in rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental clinical- trial, Wistar rats were categorized in five groups (control, compression, treatment1, treatment 2 and treatment 3), each including six rats. For inducing the injury in the compression and treatment groups, the right sciatic nerve in the upper thigh was compressed using clamp forceps. In the treatment groups, 100mg/kg doses of the extract were injected in group1(3 times a day), group 2 (6 times a day) and in group3 ( 9 times a day). After 28 days, following being anesthetized, the rats underwent perfusion and samples were taken out of the lumbar segments of their spinal cord. Then the samples, after going through tissue processes, were cut in 7 m serial sections and stained in blue toluidine. Through the stereological quantitative technique, neuroglial cells were counted. Results: A significant decrease was seen in the number of neuroglial cells in the compression group (6913±208) in comparison with the control group (10184±791). Also, through the comparison of the compression group with treatment group 1(7077±293), treatment group2 (9372±252) and treatment group 3 (8715±252) a significant difference among dnsity of neuroglial cells in groups and 3 with conppnessin group was seen. a remarkable increase in the numerical density of neuroglial cells was obtained (p<0.05). Conclusion: Due to its antioxidant effects, curcuma longa extract increased the numerical density of neuroglia cells following the compression of the sciatic nerve. The antioxidant effects of this extract probably inactivate the apoptosis channels which have been activated due to peripheral nerve injuries.
Ali Fani, Mohsen Ghasedi, Fatemeh Esmaeeliun, Behrouz Alizadeh,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (9-2010)
Abstract
Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which is characterized by chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements is the most common gastrointestinal disease. Curcuma is one of the traditional medications which has been considered in treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. In this study, the effects of curcuma on IBS were investigated. Materials and Methods: In a double-blind randomized study, 140 IBS patients after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, regardless of sex and age and based on internist’s diagnosis, were involved. The patients were randomly divided into case (curcuma) and control (placebo) groups which included 69 and 71 patients, respectively. For converting subjective criteria to objective ones, treatment forms were filled out before the treatment and two and four weeks after the treatment according to visual analog scale. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and t-test. Results: Using curcuma and placebo before the treatment and two and four weeks after that improved patients’ clinical symptoms except for vomiting (p=0.001) however, no significant differences were observed in the effectiveness of placebo and curcuma on improvement of clinical symptoms of patients in case and control groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Using curcuma does not offer any significant differences in controlling and reducing the symptoms of IBS in comparison to the placebo, but its application improves the clinical symptoms of IBS patients.
