Farid Firouzbakhsh, Seyed Mohammad Hosein Afsarian, Saeedeh Hooshangi , Hamid Badali,
Volume 17, Issue 5 (8-2014)
Abstract
Background: Saprolegniasis is an important aquatic fungal disease that causes severe damages at different growth stages of aquatic animals. Saprolegnia parasitica has been identified as an important pathogen in aquaculture. This study was investigated the activity of antifungal methanolic extracts of Foeniculum vulgare, Achillea millefolium, Satureja hortensis, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, as well as Artemisia annua essential oil against S. parasitica in comparison with formalin.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, Saprolegnia parasitica originated from rainbow trout’s farm effluent. Phenotypic identification was performed and amplification of ITS rDNA region was adjusted by using of two general primers like ITS1 and ITS4, subsequently sequencing by use of internal primer were performed. The antifungal effects of the plants were investigated based on broth microdilution method and compared by formalin.
Results: The results of sequencing verified the obtained fungus is S. parasitica. In broth microdilution method, the essential herb Artemisia inhibited the growth of S. parasitica at a concentration of 128 &mug/ml (MIC = 128 &mug/ml). At the same concentration, however, it did not show any fungicidal activity (MFC &ge 2048 &mug/ml). Methanolic extracts of the plants fennel, yarrow, Savory, and cinnamon displayed no direct effects on S. parasitica.
Conclusion: Based on the results obtained in the present study, Artemisia can be classified as a powerful antifungal essential plant. The essence of Artemisia performed more effectively compared to formalin for the growth inhibition of S. parasitica.
Azam Mivefroshan, Roghaiyeh Afsargharehbagh,
Volume 27, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Hyperlipidemia, a chronic metabolic disorder marked by elevated blood lipid levels, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. While pharmacological interventions exist, factors such as medication side effects, cost considerations, and a growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine have stimulated research into the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in managing hyperlipidemia. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of these botanical agents in reducing blood lipid levels.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across reputable databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and other relevant online platforms. Keywords such as "hyperlipidemia," "herbal medicine," "traditional medicine," "herbal extract," and "herbal therapy" were employed to identify studies published up to 2024. Inclusion criteria were established to select studies that reported the impact of medicinal plants on lipid profile modifications.
Results: Based on the results, the study revealed that various medicinal plants, including Thymus vulgaris, Apium graveolens, Cichorium intybus, Fumaria officinalis, Heracleum rawianum, Anthemis altissima, Gundelia tourneforttii, Cynodon dactylon, Anthriscus sylvestrianum, Solanum nigrum, Arum elongatum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Berberis vulgaris, Rheum ribes, and Mentha spicata, are commonly used in traditional medicine to address hyperlipidemia.
Conclusions: The use of indigenous Iranian medicinal plants for managing hyperlipidemia is deeply rooted in the country’s ancient history and has been increasingly validated by contemporary scientific research. These natural compounds can help lower blood lipid levels by inhibiting fat absorption and boosting lipid metabolism. The growing interest in traditional medicine and medicinal plants can be attributed to their inherent advantages, such as a lower incidence of side effects compared to synthetic drugs. Ongoing scientific research in this field offers promising avenues for developing innovative and effective herbal-based therapies
