Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine最新文献

{"title":"Phenolic screening, antioxidant activity and diuretic effect of Moroccan <i>Pinus pinaster</i> Bark extract.","authors":"Widad Tbatou, Abderrazak Aboulghazi, Asmae El Ghouizi, Karima El-Yagoubi, Najoua Soulo, Zineb Benziane Ouaritini, Badiaa Lyoussi","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2024.25198","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2024.25198","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to evaluate the chemical composition antioxidant activity, and diuretic effects of Moroccan <i>Pinus pinaster</i> bark ethanolic extract (PPBE).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The phytochemical composition of PPBE was assessed using HPLC-DAD. Total polyphenols and flavonoids were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum trichloride methods, respectively, while mineral content was determined by plasma mass spectrometry. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the reducing power assay, total antioxidant capacity, and anti-DPPH free radical assay. For the diuretic effect, sixteen male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (distilled water, 10 ml/kg of BW), furosemide (10 mg/kg of BW), and PPBE (200 and 400 mg/kg of BW) groups. After 15 days, plasma and urine were collected for creatinine, potassium, and sodium analysis, along with urine output measurement. Statistical analysis employed one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey multiple comparison test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The PPBE displayed high phenolic content and potent antioxidant properties. Besides, the PPBE phenolic screening showed nine phenolic compounds with ferulate glucoside, gallic acid, and catechin as the main compounds. The PPBE demonstrated a richness in essential minerals. Furthermore, at both doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) PPBE led to a notable elevation in urine flow, urinary sodium concentration, and creatinine clearance, without affecting plasma electrolytes. In contrast, furosemide caused a reduction in plasma potassium levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PPBE could serve as a bioactive component, antioxidant, or preservative in food formulation. Moreover, it exhibits a diuretic effect without altering plasma composition.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"15 5","pages":"1450-1465"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12441190/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145084831","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"F2 peptide fraction of <i>Androctonus crassicauda</i> scorpion venom: Inducing M2 to M1 macrophage polarization and inhibiting colon carcinoma cell proliferation and migration.","authors":"Nooshin Ghadiri, Mohammad Rashno, Ali Khodadadi, Ali Asadirad, Mohammad Nemati, Ata A Ghadiri","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.25721","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.25721","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the deadliest malignancies, often diagnosed at advanced stages, limiting treatment efficacy and necessitating alternative therapeutic approaches. Scorpion venom has emerged as a promising source of bioactive compounds for cancer therapy. This study investigated the anti-cancer potential of <i>Androctonus crassicauda</i> scorpion venom fractions against CT-26 colon cancer cells.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong><i>A. crassicauda</i> venom fractions were isolated using gel filtration chromatography. Murine peritoneal macrophages, harvested from BALB/c mice, were polarized towards the M2 phenotype and characterized by flow cytometry. Real-time PCR and ELISA quantified M1 and M2 macrophage-associated gene and cytokine expression. The impact of venom fractions on CT-26 cell proliferation and migration was assessed via MTT and wound-healing assays. Phagocytic activity was evaluated using a yeast phagocytosis assay.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The F2 venom fraction significantly upregulated pro-inflammatory gene and cytokine expression, and downregulated anti-inflammatory gene and cytokine expression in M2 macrophages. Furthermore, the F2 fraction significantly inhibited CT-26 cell proliferation and migration. Critically, it also enhanced the phagocytic capacity of M2 macrophages.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our results suggest that the F2 fraction of <i>A. crassicauda</i> scorpion venom reprograms tumor-associated M2 macrophages towards an anti-tumor M1 phenotype. These findings suggest the potential of the F2 fraction of <i>A. crassicauda</i> scorpion venom as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of colon cancer. However, to confirm this potential, further <i>in vivo</i> studies need to be carried out.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"15 5","pages":"1502-1518"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12441195/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145085071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synergistic inhibitory effects of <i>Trifolium pratense</i> L. extract and doxorubicin on 4T1 tumor-bearing mice are mediated via targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and reversal of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.","authors":"Saeed Khazayel, Mohammad Hossein Faraji, Mohsen Akbaribazm, Mozafar Khazaei, Elham Niromand, Mohammad Rasool Khazaei","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.25940","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.25940","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents significant therapeutic challenges. This study investigates the combination effects of Trifolium pratense L. (red clover) and doxorubicin (DOX) on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis in 4T1 tumor-bearing BALB/c mice.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Female BALB/c mice were divided into six (n=10) groups: control, DOX (5 mg/kg), and three treatment groups receiving 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg <i>T. pratense</i> extract alongside DOX, and a single dose of 400 mg/kg <i>T. pratense</i>. Tumor size was measured using Vernier calipers, and survival rates were analyzed through Kaplan-Meier curves. Tumors were removed to analyze histological examinations and gene expression of <i>Ccnd</i>, <i>Myc</i>, <i>Cdh1</i>, <i>Snai1</i>, <i>Sfrp2</i>, <i>Wif1</i>, <i>Kremen1</i>, and <i>ARHGAP17</i>. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate p53, Ki-67, β-catenin, Cdh1, and vimentin expression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Co-treatment of <i>T. pratense</i> (400 mg/kg) with DOX (5 mg/kg) synergistically reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis by increasing p53 and decreasing Ki-67 expression in a dose-dependent manner. This co-treatment effectively inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by upregulating antagonists (<i>Wif1</i> and <i>Sfrp2</i>), modulating β-catenin accumulation, and reversing EMT through increased E-cadherin expression and decreased vimentin (protein level) and <i>Snai1</i> (gene expression) levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong><i>T. pratense</i> extract shows potential as an adjuvant therapy against TNBC by targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and reversing EMT while enhancing DOX efficacy. Further research is warranted to explore additional anticancer mechanisms of <i>T. pratense</i> extract.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"15 5","pages":"1546-1561"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12441188/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145084882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Protective effects of <i>Elaeagnus angustifolia</i> L. fruit extract on CCl₄-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in rats liver.","authors":"Masoud Ojarudi, Ali Golchin, Hamid Reza Karamdel, Mohammad Valilo, Parviz Ranjbarvan","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.25915","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.25915","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Hepatic cells face oxidative stress-induced damage, but plant antioxidants may offer protection. This study aimed to assess <i>Elaeagnus angustifolia</i> L. fruit extract's potential in shielding rat livers from CCl₄ damage.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>30 Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control (received distilled water), <i>E. angustifolia</i> hydroalcoholic extract control, CCl₄ control, <i>E. angustifolia</i> extract pretreatment (600 mg/kg), and silymarin pretreatment (100 mg/kg). After 14 days of oral administration of extracts, CCl₄ was injected intraperitoneally. The samples were collected 48 hr later. Histological and biochemical analyses were then carried out.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CCl₄ injection caused significant (p<0.001) changes in liver serum enzymes, lipid profile, bilirubin, total protein, serum albumin, antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde, Inflammatory cytokines, and liver tissue morphology. <i>E</i> <i>.</i> <i>angustifolia</i> extract pre-treatment significantly (p<0.05) returned changes to the normal state.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study's findings revealed that <i>E. angustifolia</i> extract pretreatment could reduce liver injury caused by CCl₄ in rats.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"15 5","pages":"1519-1530"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12441200/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145084911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison the effect of Asvard capsule and omeprazole in treatment and recurrence of non-cardiac chest pain related to gastroesophageal reflux disease in adults: A controlled double blind clinical trial.","authors":"Saeed Sepehrikia, Nasser Behnampour, Ayesheh Enayati, Alireza Norouzi, Fatemeh Kolangi","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.25580","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.25580","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Considering the burden of non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) on emergency departments and the difficulties related to the treatment of the disorder, the present study aims to investigate the effect of Asvard capsule (containing <i>Myrtus communis</i> and <i>Rosa damascena</i>) compared to routine treatment (omeprazole) in a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This study was carried out for 8 weeks including 6 weeks of therapeutic intervention and 2 weeks of follow-up. The participants were assigned to a control group that received omeprazole capsule 20 mg/day and three intervention groups A) Asvard capsule 1200 mg/day )2 cap 300 mg/BID), B) Asvard capsule 1600 mg/day (2 cap 400 mg/BID), and C) Asvard capsule 2000 mg/day (2 cap 500 mg/BID). The therapeutic efficiency for NCCP was assessed in 4 phases (days 0, 21, 42, and 56) using a standardized questionnaire of frequency scale for the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (FSSG).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The average value of NCCP was reduced after the intervention compared to the study's baseline in all groups (Pv <0.001). However, two weeks after treatment (follow-up), participants recorded higher scores of NCCP in the omeprazole 20 mg group, the average of NCCP for the intervention groups remained constant or increased slightly.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings present that although omeprazole 20 mg decreased chest pain score, it has less lasting effect compared to the herbal medicine used in this study. It seems that Asvard can be effective for the treatment of NCCP related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), however, a long-term study.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"15 5","pages":"1438-1449"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12441189/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145085063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Thymoquinone alleviates the adverse effects of cyclophosphamide on oogenesis and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in NMRI mice.","authors":"Sima Etebari, Vajihe Rouki, Mohsen Asouri, Mehrab Nasirikenari, Seyed Elyas Meshkani, Mohammad Reza Momtaz, Sakineh Amoueian, Yahya Babaki, Fateme Hajati, Ali Asghar Ahmadi","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.25734","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.25734","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Patients undergoing treatment with antineoplastic drugs face numerous challenges. This study investigates the effects of thymoquinone (Tq) in NMRI mice treated with cyclophosphamide (Cph), aiming to enhance patients' optimism for the future by redirecting their focus towards achieving a normal life and restoring fertility after treatment.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Female NMRI mice were divided into five groups: Control, Sham, Cph-treated (CPH), and two groups treated with Tq alongside Cph (TQ5 and TQ10). All mice were sacrificed to aspirate their oocytes for further analysis. The development of embryos up to the blastocyst stage was assessed using in vitro fertilization (IVF) with mature oocytes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The Tq treatment groups exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in oocyte degeneration compared to the CPH group. A dose-dependent reduction in the rate of metaphase I maturation arrest was also observed in the TQ groups compared to CPH. Tq significantly increased the number of two-cell and four-cell embryos at 24- and 48-hrs post-fertilization compared to the CPH group. Additionally, Tq treatment resulted in significant dose-dependent increases in catalase levels, while malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels were significantly lower in the TQ groups compared to the CPH groups. Tq-treated groups also demonstrated significant dose-dependent increases in the expression levels of <i>BMP15</i> and <i>GDF9</i> compared to the CPH group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this study, Tq mitigated oocyte factors expression (<i>GDF9</i> and <i>BMP15</i>) and oxidative damage in ovarian tissues following CPH-induced oocyte degeneration in mice.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"15 5","pages":"1477-1488"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12441191/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145084942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using <i>Cordia myxa</i> extract and assessment of their cytotoxic and antioxidant properties.","authors":"Leili Hosseinpour, Javad Baharara, Majid Darroudi, Zahra Sabouri, Aryam Haji Ghasem Kashani, Saeed Zaker Bostanabad","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.25954","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.25954","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This research aimed to explore the cytotoxic, apoptotic, and antioxidant effects of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) produced by <i>Cordia myxa</i> (<i>C. myxa</i>) aqueous extract via a green reduction method.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>To synthesize Se-NPs, Na₂SeO₃ and <i>C. myxa</i> plant extract were used and their anticancer and antioxidant effects were investigated. After the synthesis of Se-NPs, their physicochemical properties were investigated by various techniques such as UV-Vis, XRD, TEM, FESEM/PSA, EDX, FT-IR, and DLS/Zeta. Next, the lethality of Se-NPs on cancerous Huh-7 and normal L929 cells was investigated. Then, using Annexin V/PI and DAPI kits, the number of apoptotic cells in terms of the obtained percentage and the amount of ROS production was determined by flow cytometry. The influence of Se-NPs on the expression of genes associated with apoptosis has been examined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The XRD pattern and FESEM/TEM images confirmed the successful production of Se-NPs with an amorphous nature and size average of 11.9 nm. Flow cytometry analyses revealed a significant increase in ROS levels after 24 h of treatment with Se-NPs, demonstrating a concentration-dependent effect.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings indicate that Se-NPs exhibit anticancer activity against Huh-7 cells, as evidenced by the upregulation of <i>Bax, p53, and Caspase3 gene</i> expression. Therefore, it can be asserted that Se-NPs have the potential to eliminate cancer cells, while simultaneously providing a protective effect on normal cells.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"15 5","pages":"1531-1545"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12441193/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145085136","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Syringic acid attenuates sodium arsenite-induced hepatotoxicity and diabetes in mice via suppression of oxidative stress/inflammation/apoptosis pathways.","authors":"Ali Vadizadeh, Mahdieh Sadat Badiee, Ehsan Saburi, Fereshtesadat Fakhredini, Hadi Kalantar, Sirous Rafiei Asl, Mohammad Javad Khodayar","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.25519","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.25519","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Chronic exposure to arsenic increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Syringic acid (SYRA) has anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SYRA on sodium arsenite-induced hepatotoxicity and diabetes in mice.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Thirty male mice were divided into five groups (n=6), include control, SYRA (25 mg/kg, last week), sodium arsenite (As, 3 mg/kg for 30 days), and therapeutic groups of SYRA (10 and 25 mg/kg, last week). The mice were fasted overnight and fasting blood sugar (FBS), and glucose tolerance test (GTT) were performed. Then the mice were anesthetized, and samples of blood and liver tissue were collected for measurement of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total thiol, nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and caspase-3 protein expression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SYRA before As, reduced levels of liver enzymes, FBS, GTT, NO, TNF-α, and TBARS, and elevated levels of total thiol, CAT, SOD, GPx and caspase-3 expression compared to As group in mice.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SYRA can be suggested as a treatment option against the hepatotoxic and diabetogenic effects of As.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"15 5","pages":"1466-1476"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12441198/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145084914","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of strawberry consumption on blood pressure in adults: GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trials.","authors":"Mostafa Shahraki Jazinaki, Mohammad Safarian, Mohammad Rashidmayvan, Seyyed Mostafa Arabi, Amirhossein Sahebkar","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2024.25222","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2024.25222","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of strawberry (<i>Fragaria x ananassa</i>) consumption on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched to find relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Meta-analysis was carried out by using the random effect model, and the I² index was used to assess heterogeneity among included trials.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of the 81 studies obtained, eight were eligible to be included in this review. The pooled effect size of 12 effect sizes indicated that strawberry consumption had no significant effect on SBP (WMD: 0.96 mmHg, 95% CI -0.26 to 2.20, p = 0.12), or DBP levels (WMD: -0.33 mmHg, 95% CI -1.31 to 0.65, p = 0.50). Subgroup analysis showed that consumption of freeze-dried strawberry powder at a dose of ≤ 25 g/day or strawberry intake in people under the age of 50 significantly increased SBP levels. Also, strawberry intake in individuals aged 50 or older led to a significant decrease in DBP levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review suggests that strawberry consumption may not be an effective strategy for hypertension management. However, more RCTs are needed to draw a definite conclusion.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"15 5","pages":"1408-1423"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12441197/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145084868","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Thyme honey reduced hyperglycemia in male rats subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress: Possible involvement of GLUT4 protein and circulating irisin.","authors":"Maedeh Ghasemi, Forouzan Sadeghimahalli, Hassan Jamali, Azadeh Yazdi, Mohammad Reza Seyedi Moqadam","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.25486","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.25486","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Chronic stress is a common and fundamental problem in human life all over the world which threatens the health. Stress-induced metabolic disorders are attenuated by natural honey feeding. So, we examined protective impact of thyme honey in the regulation of blood glucose via measuring the expression level of muscle GLUT4 protein in chronic unpredictable mild stressed (CUMS) male rats.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Six groups of adult male Wistar rats were designed in this study; control group that received water; unstressed groups that were treated with honey (0.2 and 2 g/kg/day) for 38 days; stressed group that received CUMS for 4 weeks; treated stressed groups that were gavaged by honey (0.2 and 2 g/kg/day) for 38 days (from 10 days before induction of stress until the end of stress period). A day after the experiment period (39^th day), in non-fasting status, rats were sacrificed to measure glucose, insulin, irisin, lipid profile at serum level and GLUT4 protein content in muscle tissue via western blotting method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Honey reduced hyperglycemia induced by CUMS, significantly increased serum irisin and non-significantly increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) which were decreased by CUMS, but did not affect other serum lipids and insulin. CUMS down-regulated GLUT4 protein level. Honey feeding (2 g/kg) in stressed rats interestingly increased level of GLUT4 protein and maintained it at a normal level.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Together, it may be concluded that honey administration protects glycemic control system from chronic stress-induced dysregulation via an increase in production of irisin and maintaining the GLUT4 protein levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"15 4","pages":"1379-1390"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12244951/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144625308","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}