Essential oil composition of two Scutellaria species from Iran

Objective:Medicinal plants Scutellaria multicaulis and Scutellaria bornmuelleri belong to the Scutellaria genus and Lamiaceae family,and are widely used in traditional Iranian medicine.This study aims to characterize promising bioactive phytochemicals found in the aerial parts of S.multicaulis and S.bornmuelleri.Methods:Accordingly,volatile oils were obtained by hydrodistillation of S.multicaulis and S.bornmuelleri leaves and stems,and then analyzed by gas chromatographyemass spectrometry(GC/MS).Results:A total of 88 components,representing 92.4%of the oil(oil yield determined to be 0.53%,v/w),were identified in the essential oils of S.multicaulis.The main group was sesquiterpene hydrocarbons(24%),with a-himachalene(7.2%),a-longipinene(6.8%),and a-copaene(3.2%)as the main components.A total of 89 chemicals,representing 83.2%of the essential oil(oil yield determined to be 0.31%,v/w),were detected in the essential oil of S.bornmuelleri.The main components were steroids,such as 14-b-H-pregna(32.9%),hydrocarbons(22.5%),sesquiterpenes(11.4%),and monoterpenes(4.6%),which were considered minor constituents.The contents of sesquiterpene and monoterpene hydrocarbons present in S.multicaulis and S.bornmuelleri were 24%and 7.1%,respectively.However,the contribution of oxygenated monoterpenes(4%)and sesquiterpenes(4.3%)in both species was less than 5%.Conclusion:As the first report on the chemical composition of S.multicaulis and S.bornmuelleri,this study showed that the major compounds were steroids and sesquiterpenes.

Protective Effect of Ozone against Hemiscorpius lepturus Envenomation in Mice

Objective Scorpion （Hemiscorpius lepturus） stings are a public health concern in Iran, particularly in south and southwestern regions of Iran. The gold standard for the treatment of a scorpion sting is anti-venom therapy. However, immunotherapy can have serious side effects, such as anaphylactic shock （which can sometimes even lead to death）. The aim of the current study was to demonstrate the protective effect of ozone against toxicity induced by Hemiscorpius lepturus （H. lepturus） venom in mice. Methods Eight hours after the injection of ozone to the experimental design groups, the male mice were decapitated and mitochondria were isolated from five different tissues （liver, kidney, heart, brain, and spinal cord） using differential ultracentrifugation. Then, assessment of mitochondrial parameters including mitochondrial reactive oxidative species （ROS） production, mitochondrial membrane potential （MMP）, ATP level, and the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria was performed. Results Our results showed that H. lepturus venom-induced oxidative stress is related to ROS production and MMP collapse, which is correlated with cytochrome c release and ATP depletion, indicating the predisposition to the cell death signaling. Conclusion In general, ozone therapy in moderate dose can be considered as clinically effective for the treatment of H. lepturus sting as a protective and antioxidant agent.