Sara Zakerin; Homa Hajimehdipoor; Seyed Alireza Mortazavi; Masoumeh Sabetkasaei; Rasool Choopani; Shirin Fahimi
Volume 22, Issue 2 , 2020
Abstract
Background: Herbal medicines are preferred over chemical medications for a wide range of mental disorders such as depression. "Monzej-e soda" is a polyherbal combination that has been used in Iranian traditional medicine for several years to cure different mood disorders with similar signs to depression. ...
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Background: Herbal medicines are preferred over chemical medications for a wide range of mental disorders such as depression. "Monzej-e soda" is a polyherbal combination that has been used in Iranian traditional medicine for several years to cure different mood disorders with similar signs to depression. Traditional formulations should be reformulated to reach pharmacopoeial standards as modern medicines.
Objectives: In this study, "Monzej-e soda" was reformulated and its quality control and antidepressant evaluations were performed to present a standard and efficacious formulation.
Methods: The aqueous extract of the mixture of Echium amoenum, Lavandula angustifolia, Melissa officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare, Ziziphus jujuba, Cordia myxa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Fumaria parviflora, Adiantum capillus-veneris, and Alhagi spp. manna was dried with the spray drying method. Dried extract and various ingredients at different ratios were used to produce 13 experimental tablet formulations and several pre- and post-formulation tests were performed to select the best formulation. The formulation was evaluated physico-chemically. The accelerated stability test was performed on the tablets, as well. Moreover, the antidepressant effect of tablets was evaluated by the forced swimming test. The serum levels of serotonin (5-HT), noradrenaline (NA), and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) were measured in rats. Finally, histopathological examinations were performed on the liver, kidney, and spleen.
Results: Among different formulations, the best one was a combination of dried extract (490 mg), maltodextrin (189 mg), colloidal silicon dioxide (21 mg), and croscarmellose sodium (2%). The hardness, weight, friability, disintegration time, dissolution percentage, and total phenolic content were 6.98 kg/cm2, 715.76 mg, 0.7%, 12.0 min, 97.46% in one hour, and 31.4 mg/tab, respectively. No significant changes were seen in the product in the accelerated stability test. The polyherbal tablet produced significant antidepressant effects through the decrease in immobility time, which was mediated via an increase in NA and 5-HT levels. It had no effect on the BDNF level. In addition, tablets had no toxic effects on the liver, kidney, and spleen.
Conclusions: "Monzej-e soda" tablet can be considered a suitable antidepressant drug and used in patients after passing clinical trial tests.
Mohammadali Kamali; Mahmoud Khodadoost; Mojtaba Heydari; Hamid Tavakoli; Homa Hajimehdipoor; Payman Adibi
Volume 19, Issue 3 , March 2017, , Pages 1-4
Abstract
Background: Tendency of patients toward diseases and their therapeutic responses are different based on their own temperament according to traditional Persian medicine.Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the difference between therapeutic responses of hot and cold temperament patients ...
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Background: Tendency of patients toward diseases and their therapeutic responses are different based on their own temperament according to traditional Persian medicine.Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the difference between therapeutic responses of hot and cold temperament patients (based on traditional Persian medicine) with ulcerative colitis to pomegranate peel extract.Methods: Seventy-eight patients with moderate ulcerative colitis based on the Lichtiger colitis activity index (LCAI) criteria were randomized to receive an aqueous extract of the Punica granatum peel (6 grams per day) or placebo for four weeks. They were assessed before and after the intervention, in terms of symptoms, by the LCAI scoring system. The results were compared in two therapeutic groups based on the patients’ temperament (cold and hot), which were diagnosed based on a previous validated questionnaire.Results: Therapeutic response was significantly higher in patients with hot temperament compared to patients with cold temperament in the P. granatum group (1.916 ± 0.492 versus -0.500 ± 0.500, P = 0.029).Conclusions: This study showed the importance of considering syndrome differentiation and temperaments in interpreting the effect of P. granatum peels extract on ulcerative colitis.
