Mahrooz A, Ansari M, Sharif Tabrizi A. Effect of aqueous extract of Origanum vulgare and Melilotus officinalis on production of nitric oxide (NO) in cultured vascular endothelial cells (mouse endothelioma F-2 cell line). J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2006; 16 (55) :50-56
URL:
http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-151-en.html
Abstract: (14756 Views)
Background and purpose: During recent years, nitric oxide (NO) has been considered as a molecule involved in migraine headaches. This free radical involves in initiation of migraine headaches via NO/cGMP signaling pathway and vascular relaxation specially big intracranial arteries. Therefore, we studied the effects of aqueous extract of Origanum vulgare and Melilotus officinalis prescribed in migraine treatment in traditional & modern medicine, on NO level in cultured endothelial cells.
Materials and Methods: Each crude herb (25g) was mixed with 200 ml distilled water. End extract obtained after filtering and drying. Endothelial cells propagated in DMEM medium containing 10% FCS and 1-2% penicillin-streptomycin. The nitrite concentration was measured as an indicator of nitric oxide production according to the Griess reaction and with ELISA in 540 nm.
Results: Concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 g/ml of Origanum vulgare, reduced NO levels compared with control to 13.1 % (p<0.05), 25.8% (p<0.01) and 33.9% (p<0.001) respectively. However, despite our expectation melilotus officinalis increased NO level. The concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 g/ml of the herb, increased NO levels to 12.7 (p<0.05), 36.5% (p<0.001) & 72.9% (p<0.001) respectively.
Conclusion: We concluded that aqueous extract of Origanum vulgare probably decreases migraine headaches by reducing NO and aqueous extract of Melilotus officinalis does not act through this mechanism.