Iranian Medicinal Plants Society Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products 2322-1399 15 3 2026 05 01 Therapeutic and Pharmacological Efficacy of Glycyrrhiza glabra L.: An Updated Review 298 310 135259 10.22034/jmpb.2026.369492.1970 EN Ishrat Jahan Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Integral Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Integral University, Lucknow (226026), U.P., India Ayush Saxena Natural Products and Biofuels Research Lab, Integral Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Integral University, Lucknow (226026), U.P., India Afaf Alharthi Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Saudi Arabia Ali Hazazi College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Security Forces Hospital Program, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Farah Anjum Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Saudi Arabia Sarah Alotaibi Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Security Forces Hospital Program, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Awad F Aleissi Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Security Forces Hospital Program, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Samriddhi Jaswani Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Integral Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Integral University, Lucknow (226026), U.P., India Mohammad Hayatul Islam Centre for Advanced Training and Research (CATR), Lucknow (226022) U.P., India Mohd Khubaib Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Integral Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Integral University, Lucknow (226026), U.P., India Journal Article 2025 05 15 Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra) or licorice is a medicinal plant used traditionally worldwide. It has a rich phytochemical makeup that contains flavonoids, saponins, and coumarins, providing various therapeutic benefits. It has been utilized as traditional medicine to treat multiple conditions such as liver toxicity, gastrointestinal diseases, skin, and allergic disorders. G. glabra, an integral component in Ayurvedic practices, has maintained profound medicinal importance since antiquity. In Ayurveda, it is referred to as "Yashtimadhu," an extraordinary and healing herb known for its effectiveness in treating throat inflammation. G. glabra is mentioned as an ancient herbal medicine in “Bhavprakash Nighantu” (an extensive Sanskrit text which has significance in Ayurveda, the ancient medicinal system). It is referred to as Mulethi (Kalintak and Madhulika), characterized by its sweet taste, substantive digestibility, and cooling properties. Additionally, it has been mentioned as a beneficial remedy for hair, skin, and throat issues, to cure ulcers, bleeding disorders, inflammation, and weakness. The presence of active metabolites such as glabridin, liquiritoside, licochalcone, Beta-sitosterol, glabrene, glycyrrhetic acid, glycyrrhizin, glabrone, and isoliquiritigenin enables G. glabra to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties. The data for this review article on licorice were collected from diverse sources, including ancient Ayurvedic books, scientific databases, scholarly journals, published papers, books, and pharmacopoeias. Google Scholar, PubMed, and other scientific data repositories were used to collect ethnopharmacological and clinical properties of the G. glabra. This study reviewed traditional uses, phytochemistry, various pharmacological properties, and clinical and scientific evidence of G. glabra. Scientific investigation of the metabolites of G. glabra for their therapeutic properties, with special emphasis on the mechanism of action, has been reviewed and discussed with suitable scientific references. The study highlights the need for additional research to fully comprehend the mechanisms behind the therapeutic effects of licorice and its promise in modern medicine. This review article thoroughly analyzes the pharmacological and phytochemical characteristics of G. glabra, which will serve as a resource for future clinical and fundamental studies.

https://jmpb.areeo.ac.ir/article_135259_e0c2b73c734047955997bffb4f8b4536.pdf

Iranian Medicinal Plants Society Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products 2322-1399 15 3 2026 05 01 Effect of Plant Growth Regulators and Explant Type on Direct Regeneration and Root Induction of Zarrin-Giah (Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss) as a Medicinal Plant 311 320 135410 10.22034/jmpb.2026.370541.2042 EN Leyla Jalili Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Sciences and Agricultural Engineering, Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran Zeinab Chaghakaboodi Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Sciences and Agricultural Engineering, Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran Alireza Zebarjadi Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Sciences and Agricultural Engineering, Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran Research Institute of Medicinal Plants, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran Leila Zarei Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Sciences and Agricultural Engineering, Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran Journal Article 2025 08 29 Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. (Lamiaceae), known in Persian as “Zarrin-giah” or “Denaei Lemon Balm”, is a medicinal plant native to Iran. It is used in traditional remedies and as a flavoring in tea and doogh (a yogurt-based drink). Extracts of this species contain bioactive compounds with reported therapeutic properties. Efficient micropropagation protocols can support its conservation and large-scale production. This study evaluated plant growth regulator combinations and explant types for direct regeneration and rooting of D. kotschyi. A completely randomized experiment with three replications was conducted in 2025 to investigate the effects of cytokinin (BAP), auxin (NAA), and explant type (leaf, hypocotyl, and cotyledon) on regeneration, as well as the effects of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and culture media (MS and ½ MS) on rooting. Measured traits included regeneration percentage, number of shoots per explant, shoot length, number of leaves per shoot, rooting percentage, number of roots, and root length. Results showed that the combination of 1 mg/L BAP and 1.5 mg/L NAA applied to hypocotyl explants produced the highest regeneration percentage and improved shoot quality. In the rooting stage, the interaction between medium type and IBA concentration significantly influenced root formation. The best rooting response, including 100% rooting, occurred in ½ MS medium supplemented with 1–2 mg/L IBA. These results provide a practical protocol for efficient in vitro regeneration and rooting of D. kotschyi and support its micropropagation for medicinal use and conservation.

https://jmpb.areeo.ac.ir/article_135410_26a10518701134ef6cd2797d79e43f67.pdf

Iranian Medicinal Plants Society Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products 2322-1399 15 3 2026 05 01 Enhanced Eugenol Production in Eryngium campestre L. and Eryngium caucasicum Trautv. via Agrobacterium rhizogenes-Induced Hairy Roots 321 326 135095 10.22034/jmpb.2026.369169.1945 EN Zahra Keykhaee Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding Science, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, Tehran-Pakdasht, Iran Seyed Ahmad Sadat Noori Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding Science, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, Tehran-Pakdasht, Iran Ali Izadi Darbandi Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding Science, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, Tehran-Pakdasht, Iran Mehdi Soltani Howyzeh Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran Journal Article 2025 04 15 Eryngium, an edible and medicinal plant from the Apiaceae family native to northern Iran, is traditionally used to treat inflammation, hypertension, and diabetes. This study investigated the effect of plant species, explant type and bacterial strain on hairy root induction of Eryngium campestre and Eryngium caucasicum via Rhizobium rhizogenes (formerly: Agrobacterium rhizogenes). Leaf, hypocotyl, and cotyledon explants were inoculated with A. rhizogenes (A4, ATCC-15834 and R318 strains). The transformation frequency and the number of roots generated per explant were recorded. The transformation of hairy roots was verified through PCR using gene-specific primers for rolB and rolC. The highest hairy root induction rate (65.8%) was obtained with the ATCC-15834 strain inoculated on the hypocotyls of E. campestre. The shortest time for root induction (7.5 days) was also observed in E. campestre. A high level of eugenol production in hairy roots induced by strain R318 in E. caucasicum shows that this strain has a significant potential to optimize secondary metabolite production in this species. HPLC analysis of the transgenic roots in both Eryngium species showed that the resulting hairy roots contained a significant amount of eugenol. By transferring desirable genes to these two plant species, the resulting hairy roots contain a significant amount of eugenol. Based on these results, this technique offers an effective, genetically stable, and sustainable alternative to conventional extraction or chemical synthesis methods for large-scale production of eugenol-rich secondary metabolites.

https://jmpb.areeo.ac.ir/article_135095_47dd05228de0e8f25e6ec5e9c51b9efe.pdf

Iranian Medicinal Plants Society Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products 2322-1399 15 3 2026 05 01 Germination and Recovery of the Seed of Three ‌Nepeta L. species under Drought and Temperature Stresses 327 333 135276 10.22034/jmpb.2026.370146.2016 EN Parvin Salehi Shanjani Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran Leila Rasoulzadeh Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran Bahareh Afsharnejad Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2025 07 20 Propagation through seeds is an effective method for renewing plant populations and increasing their genetic diversity, but the process of seed germination is complex and relatively difficult due to the limitations of environmental conditions. Wild plants that reproduce through seed may be affected by changes in humidity and temperature. The present study aimed to investigate the ecological adaptation strategies of seed germination of three species of ‌Nepeta haussknechtii, N. pogonosperma and N. glomerulosa subsp. staffina under different hydrothermal conditions. Controlled experiments were conducted to investigate the germination performance of ‌Nepeta seeds at different temperatures (10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, and 35 °C) and simulated drought stress conditions using polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) concentrations (0, -0.3, -0.6, -0.9, and -1.2 MPa); since no germination was observed at 40°C and -1.5 MPa, the results of these values were excluded from the experiment. After 14 days, fresh ungerminated seeds from the hydrothermal treatments were transferred to distilled water (under 25°C conditions) to study the recovery of germination, which was also recorded at 2-day intervals for 14 days. The results showed that temperature, drought stress, and their interaction significantly affected the germination percentage and germination rate of seeds (p<0.01). The germination percentage and germination rate of the seed were significantly higher at 25°C compared to other temperatures (p<0.01). Drought stress inhibition on seed germination was increased by PEG-6000 solution concentrations. The percentage of ungerminated seeds that recovered after transfer to distilled water varied with temperature. Rehydration germination results showed that extremely high temperatures and drought stress conditions prevented seed germination of Nepeta seeds by destroying the seed structure. The seeds that fail to germinate under drought stress recover germination more quickly at lower temperatures than at higher temperatures. These results may indicate that a small percentage of Nepeta seeds can survive drought conditions and extreme higher temperatures will be able to germinate after drought levels are reduced by rainfall. Therefore, the predicted warmer and drier climate will inhibit Nepeta seed germination, indicating that temperature changes appear to play an important role in the recovery of Nepeta seed germination from drought stress.

https://jmpb.areeo.ac.ir/article_135276_3e6cdf92ece1d5b041daa83c6a63c97f.pdf

Iranian Medicinal Plants Society Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products 2322-1399 15 3 2026 05 01 A Comparative Study of Headspace and Hydro-Distillation Techniques for Volatile Compounds in Thyme Species across Drought Stress and Phenological Stages 334 346 134808 10.22034/jmpb.2025.370397.2032 EN Shahrbanoo Abbasi Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Shahrekord University, Iran Sadollah Houshmand Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Shahrekord University, Iran Tayebeh Ahmadi Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Science, Knowledge University, Kirkuk Road, Erbil 44001, Iraq Journal Article 2025 08 14 Variations in essential oils and phenolic compounds of T. daenensis, T. armeniacus, and T. vulgaris were investigated at two phenological stages: 50 and 100% flowering. The volatile components of these species extracted using headspace and hydrodistillation techniques were analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) under two water stress conditions (90 and 50% field capacity). GC-MS analysis identified the major constituents, including thymol (5.175–51.53%), carvacrol (1.77–24.52%), γ-terpinene (3.95–23.66%), and p-cymene (3.35–24.50%), in the three species using the hydrodistillation method. Maximum thymol content of 51.53% and 43.20% was recorded in T. daenensis during 100% flowering under 90 and 50% FC conditions, respectively. A decline in thymol content in T. daenensis and T. vulgaris was recorded as a decrease from 90 to 50% FC, while T. armeniacus showed an increase. In the headspace method, different compounds were identified as the primary components. Notably, thymol (7.68–54.34%) was identified as the dominant compound in T. daenensis. Drought stress significantly increased thymol composition at the 50% flowering stage but reduced it at the 100% flowering stage. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis revealed three distinct groups, separating the compounds identified by the headspace and hydrodistillation methods. The findings suggest that hydrodistillation is more reliable for determining the true concentrations of compounds.

https://jmpb.areeo.ac.ir/article_134808_fc60788dff95d0dc36d77b3ffaab2087.pdf

Iranian Medicinal Plants Society Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products 2322-1399 15 3 2026 05 01 Antimicrobial Effect of Pinus longifolia Roxb. ex.Lamb. and Pinus eldarica Medw. Fruits Hydroalcoholic Extract Against Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis 347 352 135256 10.22034/jmpb.2026.369987.2004 EN Zahra Najafi-Olya Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Pegah Shakib Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Asma Sepahdar Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran School of Dentistry, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Mohammad Hosein Hasanvand Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, student research committee, School of Dentistry, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Zahra Mousavi Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Pouya Sarvi Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Lorestan Province, Iran Foroogh Mirzania Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Lorestan Province, Iran Journal Article 2025 07 03 As a result of the growing resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to antibiotics, researchers are working to identify novel herbal medicines as an alternative to pharmaceutical medicines and antibiotics. The antimicrobial property of the hydroalcoholic extract of Pinus longifolia and P. eldarica fruits was examined in vitro with respect to Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis pathogens. P. longifolia and P. eldarica fruit hydroalcoholic extracts were made for this laboratory work, and the extracts' minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bacterial killing concentration (MBC), and minimum fungal killing concentration (MFC) were measured. For E. faecalis and Candida albicans, the MIC of P. longifolia hydroalcoholic extract was 12.5 and 6.25 mg/ml, respectively. The MIC for the extract and chlorhexidine combination was 0.78 mg/ml. In the case of E. faecalis and C. albicans, the MIC of P. eldarica fruit hydroalcoholic extract was 12.5 and 6.25 mg/ml, respectively. The MIC of the extract + chlorhexidine against E. faecalis and C. albicans was 1.56 and 0.78 mg/ml, respectively. In comparison to the extract alone, the extract and chlorhexidine yielded superior results. Therefore, the combination of chlorhexidine and hydroalcoholic extracts of P. longifolia and P. eldarica could be a candidate for producing antimicrobial and strong intracanal rinsing compounds, which requires further investigation, including cytotoxicity assays for human cells and interaction with dentin or other detergents.

https://jmpb.areeo.ac.ir/article_135256_f50e3c749852980b550e7de943a80127.pdf

Iranian Medicinal Plants Society Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products 2322-1399 15 3 2026 05 01 The Effect of Planting Date, Plant Density, and Selenium Foliar Spraying on Shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) Production 353 361 134933 10.22034/jmpb.2025.370293.2029 EN Mokhtar Lalaeian Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Da.C., Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran Shahram Rezvan Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Da.C., Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran 0000-0001-8738-2264 Jafar Masoud Sinaki Strategic Crop and Horticultural Reeseearch Center, Da.C., Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran Ghanbar Lai Strategic Crop and Horticultural Reeseearch Center, Da.C., Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran Journal Article 2025 08 04 This study aimed to evaluate the effects of planting date, plant density, and foliar Selenium (Se) application on growth, yield, and biochemical traits of Shallot (Allium hirtifolium) to identify optimal agronomic practices to improve crop performance and phytochemical composition under the environmental conditions of Khalateh Rudbar, Semnan Province, Iran. A factorial experiment with a randomized complete block design and three replications was established during the 2023-2024 growing season. Treatments included four planting dates (16 October, 15 November, 15 December, and 13 February), four plant densities (6, 10, 14, and 18 plants/m2), and four levels of foliar Se application (0, 4, 8, and 12 mg/l as sodium selenate). Se sprays were applied four times at two-week intervals post-emergence. Growth parameters such as plant height, leaf area index, and yield components were measured. Biochemical analyses included allicin content, total phenolics, total flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and relative water content, assessed using standard laboratory methods. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and mean comparisons at p < 0.05. Significant effects of planting date, plant density, and selenium foliar spraying were observed on all measured traits (p < 0.01). Early planting (16 October) combined with low density (6 plants/m2) and high selenium concentration (12 mg/l) resulted in the highest plant height (57.5 cm), bulb yield (6.2 kg/m), and highest accumulation of bioactive compounds including allicin (2.85 mg/g), total flavonoids (54.3 mg/g), and phenolics (45.3 mg/g). Selenium application enhanced LAI, especially between 20 and 35 days after planting, contributing to improved biomass production. Interaction effects indicated selenium’s role in alleviating stresses associated with late planting and higher plant density. The findings suggest that selecting an appropriate planting date and maintaining moderate plant density are crucial for maximizing shallot yield and quality. Foliar selenium application and the first planting date significantly promoted antioxidant and physiological properties. The results underline the importance of integrated crop management approaches to optimize yield and nutritional value, particularly in semi-arid agroecosystems. These findings provide valuable insights for shallot growers aiming to improve productivity and crop quality through timing, spacing, and micronutrient supplementation.

https://jmpb.areeo.ac.ir/article_134933_c754c02c6b42be7204d0e191ade936d5.pdf

Iranian Medicinal Plants Society Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products 2322-1399 15 3 2026 05 01 The Effect of Satureja bachtiarica Bunge., Carum carvi L., and Thymus daenensis Čelak. Essential Oil on Cronobacter sakazakii, a Foodborne Opportunistic Pathogen 362 367 134834 10.22034/jmpb.2025.369399.1960 EN Samira Abbasi Department of Food Science and Technology, Khorasgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran Mohammad Goli Department of Food Science and Technology, Khorasgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran Hasan Momtaz Department of Microbiology, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran Fatemeh Malekpoor Department of Biology, Shk.C., Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran Abdollah Ghasemi Pirbalouti Medicinal Pants & Nutraceuticals Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Tayebeh Ahmadi Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Science, Knowledge University, Kirkuk Road, Erbil 44001, Iraq Journal Article 2025 05 07 Cronobacter sakazakii is one of the main pathogens transmitted to infants through the consumption of contaminated infant formula and baby food. The bacterium is a major cause of mortality, digestive diseases, and meningitis in newborns. The present study was performed to determine the microbiological effect of C. Sakazakii in the infant formula and baby food samples and to investigate the effect of 3 plant essential oils on bacterial isolates. A total of 200 samples of baby food and infant formula of different brands were collected, and the inhibitory effects of bacterial growth by essential oils of Satureja bachtiarica, Carum carvi, and Thymus daenensis were evaluated by the disc diffusion method. The most sensitive bacteria isolated at 1000 micrograms per milliliter were T. daenensis, S. bachtiarica, and C. carvi, respectively. Inhibitory effects of growth were not observed in the concentration of 31 micrograms per ml in any of the essential oils. Infection outbreaks caused by bacteria can be reduced by careful inspection of the quality of infant formula and baby food, strict supervision of the production process, adherence to hygiene rules, and the use of natural antimicrobials.

https://jmpb.areeo.ac.ir/article_134834_de0b500d528ca43d0694509789e24f80.pdf

Iranian Medicinal Plants Society Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products 2322-1399 15 3 2026 05 01 Studying the Diversity of Antibacterial and Biochemical Properties of Khiarak (Ixiolirion tataricum L.) Organs 368 375 135083 10.22034/jmpb.2026.370144.2017 EN Saiedeh Salavati Department of Agricultural Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran Mehdi Kakaei Department of Agriculture (Plant Breeding and Genetics), Payame Noor University, Tehran-Iran Journal Article 2025 07 20 Ixiolirion tataricum with the Persian name of “Khiarak” belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is regarded as one of the most important plant sources of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds. The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of aerial organ treatment on the biochemical and antibacterial properties of this plant. Samples were fully collected from its habitat in Asadabad County, located in the western part of Hamadan Province and Some biochemical traits, including dry matter percentage, protein, total phenol, the ability to inhibit the free radical diphenyl picrylhydrazyl, and antibacterial activities in the plant organs such as bulb, leaf, stem, and inflorescence, were measured. The results showed that the type of plant organ significantly affected the percentage of protein, total phenol, and the ability to inhibit the free radical diphenyl picrylhydrazyl. Among the organs, the highest levels of protein, total phenol, and antioxidant properties were found in the inflorescence. The assessment of the antimicrobial properties from the extract of all four organs indicated that the highest antibacterial effect was present in the stem of Ixiolirion, while the effects of the extract from other organs on two bacteria (Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli) were not significant. Additionally, as the concentration of the extract increased, its effect on inhibiting bacterial growth intensified, and the diameter of the inhibition zone increased. The inflorescence organ has more applications in traditional medicine and pharmacy regarding protein, total phenol, and antioxidant properties, while the stem organ has more significance concerning antibacterial properties.

https://jmpb.areeo.ac.ir/article_135083_ffe57ed04d615b7ae378aa253ad8de71.pdf

Iranian Medicinal Plants Society Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products 2322-1399 15 3 2026 05 01 Gallic Acid Mitigates Carrageenan-Induced Acute Paw Edema in Rats through Antioxidant Activity and Modulation of NF-κB, COX-2, and Proinflammatory Cytokines 376 382 135257 10.22034/jmpb.2026.370818.2059 EN Kobra Bahrampour Juybari Immunogenetics Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Department of pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Mitra Mahmoudi Department of pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Sara Bayat Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Gut and Liver Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Pouya Noorian Department of pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Foroogh Rostami Ghadi Department of pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Mehdi Goudarzi Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Medicinal Plant Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Gholamreza Houshmand The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Department of pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Journal Article 2025 09 25 This research project was conducted to assess the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms of gallic acid (GA) in a rat model of paw edema triggered by carrageenan (Carr). In this experimental investigation, 42 adults male Wistar rats were casually sorted to make six experimental groups. Group I received normal saline (NS). Group II received NS before the Carr injection. Group III was treated with indomethacin (IND) prior to Carr injection. Groups IV-VI received GA at increasing doses before the Carr administration. By analyzing oxidative stress indicators, inflammatory signaling pathways, and serum cytokine levels, the regulating properties of GA on Carr-stimulated rat paw inflammation were ascertained. The levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were all meaningfully reduced by GA. Additionally, GA increased interleukin-10 secretions and enhanced the activation of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase besides glutathione content. Gallic acid meaningfully reduced paw edema triggered via Carr injection in rats, indicating a robust acute anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, it suppressed Carr-induced inflammation through its antioxidative properties.

https://jmpb.areeo.ac.ir/article_135257_624a97537a214121926ed6a9ca5aa1f5.pdf

Iranian Medicinal Plants Society Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products 2322-1399 15 3 2026 05 01 Bioinformatic Analysis of the Hawthorn PAL gene's Role in OPC Biosynthesis and its Sstructural Comparison to the Cardiomyopathy Gene MYBPC3 383 393 134776 10.22034/jmpb.2025.370886.2064 EN Seyed Ali Forghani Student Research Committee, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran Sara Rashki Ghalehnoo Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Amir al momenin Hospital, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran Yeganeh Shafiei Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran Bahman Fazeli-Nasab Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Agriculture Institute, Research Institute of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Journal Article 2025 10 01 This investigation conducted a computational examination of the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) gene within Crataegus species, a pivotal enzyme governing the phenylpropanoid pathway and the biosynthesis of phenolic and flavonoid metabolites. The study also probed for potential structural homology between the plant PAL enzyme and the human MYBPC3 protein, a sarcomeric constituent whose mutations are a predominant genetic etiology for familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The methodological framework integrated a suite of bioinformatic applications. Protein sequence homology was assessed using BLASTp algorithms, while tertiary protein architecture was predicted via the Swiss-Model workspace. Molecular docking simulations, executed with AutoDock, characterized putative protein-ligand interfaces. Complementary analyses on dedicated computational servers facilitated active site prognostication, determination of pivotal residue constituents, and evaluations of conformational stability. Comparative sequence alignment established a lack of significant structural conservation between the PAL and MYBPC3 polypeptides. Notwithstanding this divergence, molecular docking simulations demonstrated a capacity for oligomeric procyanidin (OPC) ligands to engage the PAL active site, a interaction characterized by favorable binding affinities and the formation of stable hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, structural profiling elucidated functional domains and critical catalytic residues intrinsic to PAL function. In conclusion, this research underscores the integral role of the PAL gene in the OPC biosynthetic machinery of hawthorn, as delineated by sophisticated in silico methodologies. The absence of structural mimicry with MYBPC3 confirms the functional specificity of each protein within their respective biological contexts. These insights provide a foundational platform for subsequent exploration in metabolic engineering and the development of plant-based therapeutic agents.

https://jmpb.areeo.ac.ir/article_134776_e07c756b1cec2347b1e7e59819602d7a.pdf

Iranian Medicinal Plants Society Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products 2322-1399 15 3 2026 05 01 Antimicrobial Properties and Essential Oil Profile of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. from Three Regions of Lorestan Province 394 401 135272 10.22034/jmpb.2026.369463.1969 EN Soheila Afkar Agriculture Department, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran Leili Shokoohizadeh Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Journal Article 2025 05 12 This study was conducted to identify one of the endemic medicinal plants and its use in medical science. With this aim, the quantity and quality of essential compounds in the Ziziphora clinopodioides plant under various environmental conditions and its antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using the disk diffusion method were investigated in three regions of Lorestan Province. These regions including region 1 (Borujerd), region 2 (Khorramabad) and region 3 (Aleshtar). 25, 27 and 21 compounds were identified in regions 1, 2, 3 respectively. The main compounds in regions 2 (Khorramabad) and 3 (Aleshtar) were Pulegone, Isomenthone and P-mentha- 3,8 -diene. The main constituents of the essential oil extracted from samples collected in region 1 (Borujerd) differed significantly from those obtained from the other two regions. Thymol, E- Caryophyllene, Carvacrol and γ-Terpinene were the main components of region 1. Significant negative correlation between soil organic carbon percentage and β-myrcene composition. The findings indicated that the essential oil of Z. clinopodioides collected from region 1 exhibited notable antimicrobial properties against both S. aureus and E. coli compared to regions 2 (Khorramabad) and 3 (Aleshtar). The different compositions of essential oil of plant collected from region 1 from regions 2 and 3 can be attributed to the distinct climatic and geographical conditions of region 1. the results of this research showed that the difference in the geographical conditions of the growing region of the Z. clinopodioides plants studied in this research has caused a significant difference in the components of the essential oil compounds, their amount and their antimicrobial effects, which can be used to improve the essential oil compounds in the pharmaceutical, health and food industries. It is suggested to investigate the effect of the main components of the essential oil separately for a better understanding of the mechanism of antimicrobial activity.

https://jmpb.areeo.ac.ir/article_135272_1c69f09707fdacdfd5b6089b6493bac0.pdf

Iranian Medicinal Plants Society Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products 2322-1399 15 3 2026 05 01 Bioactivity of Medicinal-Plant Extracts of Nettle, Chamomile and Dandelion on Germination, Seedling Growth and Antioxidant Enzymes in Canola 402 408 135031 10.22034/jmpb.2026.371311.2095 EN Seyed Ahmad Khatami Department of Agronomy, Varamin-Pishva Branch, Islamic Azad University, Varamin, Iran Pourang Kasraie Department of Agronomy, Varamin-Pishva Branch, Islamic Azad University, Varamin, Iran Sara Khatami Department of Biology, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran Journal Article 2025 11 05 Seed priming with extracts from medicinal plants offers a sustainable route to create value-added, bioactive treatments for crop seeds and to valorize plant by-products. This study evaluated the bioactivity of aqueous extracts of three medicinal species: nettle (Urtica dioica), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as seed-priming agents for canola (Brassica napus). Seeds of four cultivars (Okapi, Zarfam, RG-5003, Ahmadi) were soaked in 0 (control), 5, and 10% aqueous preparations prior to germination assays. We quantified germination percentage, seedling length, and biomass, and measured activities of key antioxidant enzymes (catalase, CAT; peroxidase, POD; ascorbate peroxidase, APX) to assess modulation of oxidative-stress defenses during early growth. Responses were cultivar- and extract-specific. Nettle extract at 10% produced the most consistent bioactive effect across genotypes, significantly improving germination, seedling vigour and biomass while strongly up-regulating CAT, POD and APX activities. Chamomile extract conferred moderate, broadly beneficial effects, whereas dandelion extract yielded variable outcomes and was associated with partial inhibition of APX in some cultivars. The Ahmadi cultivar displayed the largest enzymatic induction in response to nettle and chamomile, indicating genotype-dependent sensitivity to plant-derived antioxidants. We interpret these results considering known antioxidant phytochemicals in the three species and propose that phenolic/flavonoid constituents likely underlie the observed modulation of seed oxidative status. Overall, aqueous preparations of medicinal plants, particularly nettle, show promise as eco-friendly, value-added seed treatments for oilseed crops. Given that 5% extracts often outperformed 10% in several assays, future work should include phytochemical profiling, extract standardization, and targeted dose optimization to refine reproducible formulations for practical application.

https://jmpb.areeo.ac.ir/article_135031_7776b6e4265df0a342a173ff7fd9bda5.pdf

Iranian Medicinal Plants Society Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products 2322-1399 15 3 2026 05 01 Mitigating Drought Stress in Physalis alkekengi: Synergistic Effects of Foliar Boron and Zinc on Photosynthesis and Metabolite Accumulation 409 413 135271 10.22034/jmpb.2026.371603.2114 EN Warqaa Muhammed Shariff Al-Sheikh Faculty of Basic Science Branch, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Al-Qadisiyah Heidar Meftahizade Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran Journal Article 2025 12 01 This study investigated the effects of foliar boron (B) and zinc (Zn) on Physalis alkekengi under four levels of drought stress (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% of field capacity). Plants were treated with B at 0, 100, 200, and 400 ml/L and Zn at 0, 1, 2, and 3 g/L. Drought stress significantly reduced fruit length (3.5–5.2 cm), weight (13.7–22.8 g), and firmness (1.7–3.5 N). The combined foliar application of B (200 ml/L) and Zn (2 g/L) under moderate drought (50% field capacity) produced the best outcomes. Fruit weight increased by 28%, total soluble solids (TSS) reached 11.6%, chlorophyll content rose to 2.1 mg/g FW, and photosystem II efficiency (Fv/Fm) improved to 0.78. Total phenolics (7.2 mg/g FW), flavonoids (32.3 mg/g FW), and proline (38.5 mg/g FW) also peaked under this treatment, indicating enhanced antioxidant metabolism and osmotic adjustment. Strong correlations were observed between proline and total phenolics (r = 0.90), and between flavonoids and total phenolics (r = 0.86), suggesting coordinated stress-response mechanisms. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed clear clustering of treatments, separating those with higher fruit quality and metabolite accumulation from treatments with improved photosynthetic efficiency. Overall, foliar B and Zn acted synergistically to alleviate drought stress, stabilize photosynthesis, enhance antioxidant defenses, and improve fruit growth and quality in P. alkekengi. These findings demonstrate that integrated micronutrient management can be an effective strategy to improve plant performance under water-limited conditions, benefiting both productivity and the nutritional value of fruits.

https://jmpb.areeo.ac.ir/article_135271_1fe0e609b8117ea60279716e0484d6a4.pdf

Iranian Medicinal Plants Society Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products 2322-1399 15 3 2026 05 01 Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Properties of Verbascum cheiranthifolium Boiss. from Kolakchal, Alborz Mountains in northern Tehran: A GC-MS Based Study 414 420 134747 10.22034/jmpb.2025.370296.2030 EN Zahra Sadat Aghakhah Razlighi Department of Chemistry, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Abdolhossein Rustaiyan Department of Chemistry, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Kambiz Larijani Department of Chemistry, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2025 08 18 Verbascum cheiranthifolium, an endemic medicinal herb native to Iran, has long been employed in traditional medicine to treat rheumatism, earaches, menstrual irregularities, and inflammatory disorders. Nevertheless, its phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential remain insufficiently investigated. To fill this knowledge gap, aerial parts of V. cheiranthifolium were harvested from the Alborz Mountains (approx. 2500 m altitude) and subjected to comprehensive phytochemical and antioxidant analyses. Qualitative screening of the crude aerial parts demonstrated the occurrence of flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, and triterpenoids, whereas alkaloids and resins were absent. Among the extraction solvents tested, methanol provided the highest yield of compounds associated with antioxidant potential. The leaf-derived diethyl ether extract was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), which led to the identification of six major constituents, with n-eicosane (7.19%) being the most abundant, followed by n-pentacosane (3.31%). Spectrophotometric quantification revealed a total phenolic content of 4.90 ± 0.11 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of dry weight, which was low compared to previous reports. However, an exceptionally high total flavonoid content of 49.05 ± 0.94 mg quercetin equivalents (QE) per gram was observed, suggesting a chemotypic adaptation to high-altitude stress. The methanolic extract exhibited a concentration-dependent capacity to scavenge free radicals in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, with an IC₅₀ value of 79.7 µg/mL. In contrast, the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) achieved an IC₅₀ below 50 µg/mL. Collectively, these results offer compelling experimental evidence for the ethnomedicinal relevance of V. cheiranthifolium and underscore its promise as a natural source of antioxidant agents for prospective nutraceutical and pharmaceutical exploitation.

https://jmpb.areeo.ac.ir/article_134747_41c92b7cf5654185c3580c1b46e81ac5.pdf