Stroke is the third leading cause of mortality and disability in industrial countries. Treatment with herbs with antioxidant properties has been reported to be an alternative to the conventional treatments. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Anchusa italica extract on hippocampal injury induced by transient global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in the rat. To do so, 50 rats were randomly assigned to five groups; control, sham, ischemia, and 50 or 100 mg/kg of Anchusa italica treated animals. Ischemia was induced by occlusion of carotid artery for 30 minutes. Afterward, behavioral tests and biochemical analyses were conducted. Induction of ischemia/reperfusion caused a decline in learning and passive avoidance memory in rats. Moreover, Anchusa italica caused an increase in learning and improved the passive avoidance memory. Induction of ischemia/reperfusion caused a decrease in the antioxidant capacity of the brain and serum as well as an increase in the malondialdehyde of the brain and serum. Anchusa italica led to an increase in the antioxidant capacity of the brain and serum and decrease in the malondialdehyde of the brain and serum. Overall, because of its protective effects on spatial memory, passive avoidance learning, antioxidant capacity, and lipid peroxidation during ischemia/reperfusion, Anchusa italica might be beneficial in ischemic patients.

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Introduction:Handicrafts seems to be one of the high-risk jobs regarding work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) which necessitate the implementation of different corrective intervention like regular physical activities. This study aimed to investigate the impact of physical activity on WMSDs among craftsmen.Methods:This cross-sectional study was an analytical – descriptive study carried out on 100 craftsmen working in Isfahan, Iran, in 2013. The sampling method was census, and all workshops involved with this job were included. Information on demographic parameters and physical activity was collected by demographic forms. The data related to worker's musculoskeletal discomforts were conducted using Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using statistical tests including independent t-test, Chi-square, and ANOVA. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18.Results:The highest percentages of complaints related to severe musculoskeletal discomfort were reported in right shoulder (%36), right wrist (%26), neck (%25), and upper right arm (%24), respectively. A significant relationship was observed between physical activity and musculoskeletal discomforts of left wrist (P = 0.012), lower back (P = 0.016), and neck (P = 0.006).Discussion and Conclusion:Based on the study results, it can be inferred that regular but not too heavy physical activity can have a positive impact on decreasing the musculoskeletal discomforts.

This study was conducted to investigate the neuroprotective effect of Citrus aurantium essential oil on hippocampal injury induced by transient global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rat. In total 50 rats were randomly assigned into five groups; control, sham, ischemia, and essential oil-treated (50 or 75 mg/kg) rats. Ischemia was induced by occlusion of the carotid artery for 30 min. Spatial memory, passive avoidance learning, anti-oxidant capacity, and lipid peroxidation during ischemia/reperfusion were evaluated. The compounds of the essential oil were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Induction of ischemia/reperfusion caused a decline in learning and passive avoidance memory in rats.  C. aurantium exerted protective effects on the spatial memory, passive avoidance learning, anti-oxidant capacity, and lipid peroxidation during ischemia/reperfusion in animals. The main compounds of the  essential oil were camphor (45.9%), thymol (11.2%), linalool (6.6%), carvacrol (6.3%) and borneol (2.9%). The essential oil with anti-oxidant compounds significantly decreased the symptoms of ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Introduction: Inflammation is one of the body›s natural defence mechanisms alongside the cells or tissues damage due to various stimuli or infections. Pain is one of the greatest common symbols associated with different diseases. Therefore, researchers are trying to find new medications that bring patients relief with fewer side effects. Herbal medicine has been used for periods to treat acute and chronic pains. Objectives: This research evaluated the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant properties of Astragalus fasciculifolius manna extract. Materials and Methods: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potency of the extract were determined by xylene test and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Results: Astragalus fasciculifolius manna extract at doses of 400, 800 and 1200 mg/kg significantly reduced acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced paw licking (late and early phase) but did not affect mechanical hyperalgesia caused by heat. Moreover, naloxone failed to inhibit the antinociceptive activity of the extract. The extract of A. fasciculifolius manna also exhibited high anti-inflammatory activity against xylene induced ear edema. Treatment of mice with the extract did not improve serum antioxidant capacity. Conclusion: Results of the present research showed that A. fasciculifolius manna can prevent pain and inflammation because of the presence of high amount of saponin.