Lorestan University of Medical SciencesHerbal Medicines Journal2538-214411120260101Betaine reduces oxidative stress of red blood cells following induced asthma in mice24480410.22087/hmj.2026.556656.1018ENMasoudAlirezaeiDivision of Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, P. O. Box: 465, Khorramabad, Iran.0000-0003-1022-8896NasimErfaniGraduated Student of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University. P. O. Box: 465, Khorramabad, Iran0000-0002-5387-5236ZeinabShakarami GandabeDepartment of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, P. O. Box: 465, Khorramabad, Iran.ElhamHajitabarGraduated Student of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University. P. O. Box: 465, Khorramabad, Iran0000-0001-9667-2773Journal Article20250802Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of betaine against asthma in a model of mice. Methods: Thirty-two adult female BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: control (C), asthma (A), betaine-asthma (BA), and prednisolone-asthma (PA). Intraperitoneal injection of 100 μl ovalbumin (OVA) solution on days 0, 7, 14, and 21, was administrated followed by sensitization with OVA drops in the A, BA, and PA groups. Prednisolone (3mg /kg) and betaine (1%w/w of the total diet) were administered orally once daily from day 27 to 84. Results: A significant reduction of inflammation was observed in the BA group following betaine treatment (P <0.01). IgE levels increased significantly in the A and PA groups, whereas betaine treatment led to a significant reduction in IgE concentrations (P <0.01). Betaine and prednisolone treatments significantly increased the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total glutathione levels (P <0.01). Glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly elevated in the PA group compared to the C and A groups (P <0.01). Betaine and prednisolone treatments significantly reduced the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) when compared to the A group (P <0.01). Conclusion: It seems, betaine as a promising dietary supplement was associated with an increase of erythrocyte antioxidant activity and a decrease of lipid peroxidation. These findings suggest that betaine may have beneficial effects, particularly in combination with prednisolone, for the treatment of asthma.https://hmj.lums.ac.ir/article_244804_6abb544501966754c02305b2a1a2292c.pdfLorestan University of Medical SciencesHerbal Medicines Journal2538-214411120260101Promising Natural Alternatives Against Resistant Fungal Pathogens: Antifungal Activity of Twenty Medicinal Plant’s Hydroalcoholic Extracts24489710.22087/hmj.2026.569295.1036ENSeyfollahAhmadi-BootegazDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran.Systems Phytopharmacology Research Group, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran.0009-0007-7298-9523SomayehDolatabadiDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran.0000-0003-3862-8912EisaKohan-BaghkheiratiDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran.Systems Phytopharmacology Research Group, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran.0000-0003-1655-6436Journal Article20250815Fungal pathogens are responsible for infectious diseases that increase mortality rates and the costs associated with treatment and care. On the other hand, the overuse of antifungal drugs has led to numerous side effects, presenting a significant challenge in medicine and treatment. Consequently, the development of alternative drugs with lower manufacturing costs, reduced toxicity, and fewer side effects has become essential. Medicinal plants have been utilized for centuries in the treatment of various diseases, and significant antifungal properties have been reported from these sources. In the present study, 20 effective antimicrobial plants were identified and their hydroalcoholic extracts were obtained. Their antifungal effect on Rhizopus arrhizus, Aspergillus flavusspp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Candida albicans were assessed. The results indicated that Glycyrrhiza glabra can inhibit the growth of all four pathogens followed by Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Althaea officinalis which were effective for three fungal species. The results of this study could be used by the pharmaceutical industry to produce natural antifungals with less side effects, cytotoxicity, and production costs. Moreover, fungal pathogens have not yet developed resistance to these natural drugs while they have shown resistance against conventional antifungals.https://hmj.lums.ac.ir/article_244897_2f7207ad3119e94edea3eb566a66514a.pdfLorestan University of Medical SciencesHerbal Medicines Journal2538-214411120260101In Vitro Antifungal Effect of Echinophora platyloba and Mentha piperita Essential Oils and Their Combination on Aspergillus flavus24133510.22087/hmj.2026.575704.1047ENMohammadAmiriStudent Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.0000-0002-4560-9587MarziehRashidipourStudent Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.0000-0003-4024-765XMahdiBirjandiDepartment of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran0000-0002-0737-8044AsgharSepahvandRazi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.0000-0002-3734-5622MohammadYarahmadiRazi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.0000-0002-4560-9587Journal Article20250828Introduction: Fungal infections impose a great burden on the health system. Medicinal plants are widely used in the treatment of various infectious diseases. Hence, this study tried to investigate synergistic inhibitory effect of Echinophora platyloba (E. platyloba) and Mentha piperita (M. piperita) essential oils on Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) in vitro.<br><br>Materials and Methods: The study was conducted to determine the antifungal activities of E. platyloba and M. piperita essential oils on a standard strain (PTCC: 5006) and 10 clinical isolates of A. flavus. Inhibitory effect of essential oils on growth of A. flavus was evaluated using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using 96-well microplate analysis according to CLSI methods protocol M38A2.<br><br>Results: Our results showed that M. piperita essential oil exhibited the strongest antifungal activity, with MIC values mostly below 625 ppm across clinical isolates and the standard strain of A. flavus. E. platyloba essential oil demonstrated MIC values up to 1250 ppm. Notably, the combination of both essential oils produced a synergistic effect, significantly reducing the MIC values compared to each oil alone. According to the GEE model, the combination reduced the MIC by an average of 175.52 ppm compared to E. platyloba alone (p=0.009). This indicates enhanced efficacy of the combined essential oils in inhibiting fungal growth at lower concentrations.<br><br>Conclusion: these findings revealed that both essential oils and their combinations had antifungal effects. M. piperita and E. platyloba essential oils can be used as a secondary treatment along with antifungal chemical drugs and also as food preservatives.https://hmj.lums.ac.ir/article_241335_9fabfb6e2cd9f40679955e48f82e27c2.pdfLorestan University of Medical SciencesHerbal Medicines Journal2538-214411120260101Sorgolactone Induces MAPK-Mediated Cytotoxicity in A2780s Ovarian Cancer Cells: A Biochemical and Molecular24485910.22087/hmj.2026.546377.1005ENFatemehFazeliFormer student of Genetics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.Seyed KazemSabbaghAssociate Professor, Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.ZahraAhmadniaFormer student of Genetics, Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences,
Yazd, Iran.Mohammad RezaSarafraz ArdakaniAssociate Professor, Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.Journal Article20250910Ovarian cancer is a highly lethal gynecologic malignancy, and its rising incidence and the limitations of conventional treatments necessitate the development of new therapies. Plant-derived compounds like strigolactones (SLs) are being investigated for their potential to kill cancer cells with minimal harm to healthy tissues. This study investigated the anticancer effects of sorgolactone on A2780s cells by assessing cell viability and expression of MAPK8 and MAPK14 genes. A2780s human ovarian cancer cells were treated with varying concentrations of sorgolactone (2.5–30 ppm) for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay, and IC₅₀ values were calculated. Cells treated with the IC₅₀ dose were then used for total RNA extraction. Expression levels of MAPK8 and MAPK14 were quantified via qRT-PCR using GAPDH as the reference gene, and analyzed using the 2⁻ΔΔCt method. Sorgolactone reduced A2780s cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with IC₅₀ values decreasing from 30.38 ppm (24 h) to 25.76 ppm (48 h) and 20–25 ppm (72 h). Gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of MAPK14 and MAPK8, with MAPK14 fold changes, and MAPK8 showing a sharper increase. The highest expression levels for both genes occurred at 72 hours. This study demonstrates that sorgolactone exerts a significant time-dependent cytotoxic effect on A2780s ovarian cancer cells. This anticancer activity is associated with the substantial upregulation of MAPK14 and MAPK8 expression, suggesting that sorgolactone triggers cell death by activating the p38 and JNK stress-activated MAPK pathways.https://hmj.lums.ac.ir/article_244859_0011cf041056c7eba3796dc4103a86b1.pdfLorestan University of Medical SciencesHerbal Medicines Journal2538-214411120260101In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of Terminalia chebula Retz. Fruit Extract Against Carbapenemaes- Producing, β -Lactam Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Insights Into a Possible Dual Mechanism24335010.22087/hmj.2026.580713.1048ENMehr AliMahmood JanlouDepartment of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Go.C, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran0000-0001-5091-2348MohammadKordkatouliDepartment of Genetics ,Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, TeMSC,Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran0009-0006-3008-6820Journal Article20250920The escalating crisis of carbapenem resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, particularly strains producing Class A carbapenemases, necessitates urgent development of therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the potential of the methanolic extract of T. chebula fruit, a well-known medicinal plant, to restore the activity of Imipenem against resistant P. aeruginosa. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing confirmed the resistance of clinical isolates to Imipenem alone. Experimental evaluation using agar well diffusion assays demonstrated that T. chebula extract possesses intrinsic antibacterial activity and significantly enhances the efficacy of Imipenem against these resistant strains, as evidenced by a substantial increase in zones of inhibition (p < 0.05). To elucidate the underlying mechanism, molecular docking studies were performed on representative compounds of T. chebula, Chebuloside II and Pedunculoside, against the active site of a Class A carbapenemase, alongside Imipenem. Docking revealed that both Chebuloside II and Pedunculoside exhibited superior binding free energies (−9.14 and −8.31 kcal/mol, respectively) compared to Imipenem (−7.94 kcal/mol). Docking analysis suggests these phytochemicals may act as competitive inhibitors by occupying the catalytic pocket through extensive hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, thereby hindering carbapenemase activity. Preliminary in silico toxicity predictions suggested a favorable safety profile for Chebuloside II and Pedunculoside.Collectively, this research supports a dual mechanism: the extract inherently disrupts bacterial processes (likely membrane integrity) while its key components act as potent competitive inhibitors of carbapenemase. This combined action validates T. chebula as a promising natural agent to combat serious β-lactam resistance in Gram-negative pathogens, paving the way for the development of natural adjunctive therapeutics.https://hmj.lums.ac.ir/article_243350_ee16649ec561d83555d96d6f0563a50a.pdfLorestan University of Medical SciencesHerbal Medicines Journal2538-214411120260101Quercetin as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Meningioma: A Mini-Review of Mechanisms and Future Perspectives23814910.22087/hmj.2026.565121.1031ENSayyid AliHosseiniStudent Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0009-0001-8438-9150Journal Article20251001Meningioma is the most common primary intracranial tumor, affecting a significant number of people worldwide. Therefore, discovering effective strategies for its prevention and treatment is vital to minimizing its impact. Quercetin is a flavonoid found in fruits, vegetables, leaves, seeds, and grains. Studies have shown its effectiveness in treating various types of neurological cancer. This review summarizes the mechanisms of action and therapeutic effects of quercetin in the treatment of meningioma. Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to find relevant articles published in these databases from 1993 to 2025. According to our findings, quercetin, via microRNA-mediated mechanisms and interactions with type II estrogen binding sites, induces cell death, inhibits proliferation, and reduces cell growth in cancer cells. Thus, based on limited in vitro evidence, quercetin may represent a promising candidate for further investigation as a therapeutic approach for meningioma. However, the encouraging preclinical data should be evaluated in clinical settings through additional studies, with appropriate methods.https://hmj.lums.ac.ir/article_238149_82bafae754cf870e07ca1371cc5c60fb.pdfLorestan University of Medical SciencesHerbal Medicines Journal2538-214411120260101Herbal Treatment for Constipation Based on Traditional Iranian Medicine: A Review24149110.22087/hmj.2026.569938.1039ENAsadHashemiDepartment of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical sciences, Urmia, Iran0000-0003-3754-8953MohammadrezaMohammad HosseiniazarDepartment of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Urmia University of
Medical sciences, Urmia, Iran0000-0002-9720-8267Journal Article20251012Introduction: This study aimed to identify the most significant medicinal plants used in the treatment of constipation within traditional Iranian medicine and to compare traditional evidence with findings from modern research.<br>Methods: This research was conducted as a documentary review. The sources included credible texts of traditional Iranian medicine, reference books on herbal therapy, and online scientific databases. After gathering the data, the therapeutic properties reported in traditional texts were compared with results from recent preclinical studies and experimental research.<br>Findings: Based on a review of the sources, plants such as Khakshir, Esfereza, Rose flower, Shirkhisht, Senna, Flous, Fig, Chia seeds, Peach, Sweet Almond, Nettle, Tajerizi, Fennel, Green Tea, Chamomile, Ginger, Licorice, Peppermint, Flax, Borage, Basil, Thyme, Cinnamon, Cumin, Olive, Sesame, Castor, Dandelion, and Vexing are among the plants used in the treatment of constipation in traditional Iranian medicine and herbal therapy.<br>Conclusion: The existing evidence indicates that the medicinal plants introduced in traditional Iranian medicine can be considered as natural alternatives or complementary options to conventional treatments for managing and treating constipation.https://hmj.lums.ac.ir/article_241491_8e365b263252b34a78d54daa0553c90d.pdfLorestan University of Medical SciencesHerbal Medicines Journal2538-214411120260101The Role of Herbal Medicines in Postoperative and Anesthesia Care: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Research Directions23921410.22087/hmj.2026.572595.1044ENMasoudSharifianAssistant Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.AtefehMarzbanAssistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences0009-0002-1356-9733Journal Article20260128With increasing public and scientific interest in herbal medicines, emerging evidence suggests that certain herbal compounds may serve as adjunct therapies to reduce postoperative pain and control inflammation. These interventions have the potential to improve patient experience, reduce healthcare costs, and shorten hospital stays. However, robust clinical evidence remains limited, as most studies are small, preclinical, or animal-based, and data on optimal dosing, timing, long-term safety, pharmacological effects, and drug interactions in surgical patients are insufficient. Some herbal compounds may interact with anesthetics, anticoagulants, antihypertensives, or analgesics, posing potential risks if used without proper guidance. Effective evaluation requires multidisciplinary collaboration among surgeons, anesthesiologists, and clinical pharmacists, as well as education for healthcare teams and patients to enhance knowledge, informed decision-making, and awareness of potential adverse effects. Key research opportunities include randomized controlled trials on postoperative outcomes, pharmacological and toxicological studies to determine mechanisms and safe dosages, drug-herb interaction assessments, and long-term multicenter investigations to evaluate real-world efficacy and safety. Rigorous, evidence-based research is essential to support the safe integration of herbal medicines into perioperative care.https://hmj.lums.ac.ir/article_239214_92d59a4ceac559de8d47ce3a17f9d400.pdfLorestan University of Medical SciencesHerbal Medicines Journal2538-214411120260101The First Global Report of the Alkaloid Vincaminoreine in Vinca herbacea from the Hyrcanian Floristic Region Using Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry: Insights into Potential Pharmacological Applications23901110.22087/hmj.2026.570190.1040ENMohammadKordkatouliDepartment of Genetics ,Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, TeMSC,Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.Medicinal Plants Research Center, Go.C, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran.0009-0006-3008-6820Mohammad AminJavidiIntegrative Oncology Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran0000-0003-2812-0111AliVarasteh MoradiDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Go.C, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran0009-0004-7451-8598AudriusDulskasSMK Collega of Applied Sciences, Vilnius, Lithuania0000-0003-3692-8962MuhammadRizwanDepartment of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China0009-0005-4342-1715AryanSateeiDepartment of Plant Sciences, Go.C, Faculty of Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran0000-0001-6810-6790Journal Article20260101Vinca herbacea Waldst. & Kit. is a lesser-known member of the family Apocynaceae, distributed mainly across temperate regions of Asia and Europe. According to GBIF data, its confirmed occurrence in Iran is limited to northern provinces along the Alborz Mountains. The Apocynaceae family is rich in monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) such as vincamine, vinblastine, and vincristine, known for their anticancer, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activities. In this study, the aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowers) of Vinca herbacea were collected in June 2024 from the Baleskuh protected area, Tonekabon County, Mazandaran Province, Iran, and authenticated by the Iranian Biological Resource Center (IBRC, code: IBRC P1006834). The dried samples were extracted using 96% ethanol and 96% n-propanol by cold maceration, followed by LC–MS (ESI⁺) analysis. In the ethanolic extract, Vincaminoreine was identified in flowers (m/z = 355.25, RT = 12.55 min) and leaves (m/z = 355.29, RT = 12.41 min), but not in stems. In the n-propanol extract, the compound was detected in all three organs with m/z values around 355.25–355.27 and retention times near 10.3 min. MassLynx analysis confirmed isotopic and molecular ion matches with reference data, validating the presence of Vincaminoreine. This study reports, for the first time worldwide, the occurrence of Vincaminoreine in Vinca herbacea, and it is also the first record from northern Iran. The results suggest that biosynthesis of this alkaloid is more active in photosynthetic tissues and provide a foundation for future research on phytochemistry, plant biotechnology, and natural product-based drug development.https://hmj.lums.ac.ir/article_239011_bb2556bd109333a8852da206358d8896.pdf