Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of extracts from the seed and pulp of Jujube () grown in Iran.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the biological activities of the ultrasound-assisted extracts obtained from pulp and seed of jujube () fruits. To reach this purpose, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total pro-anthocyanin, DPPH radical scavenging activity, rancimat test, as well as antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity test of both jujube pulp and seed extracts were evaluated. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total pro-anthocyanin in pulp extract were higher than those obtained from seed extract.

Antidepressant effects of aqueous extract of saffron and its effects on CREB, P-CREB, BDNF, and VGF proteins in rat cerebellum.

Objective: The role of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), CREB (cAMP response element binding) and VGF neuropeptide has been proved in antidepressant activity of long term saffron administration in the rat hippocampus. In this study we evaluated the role of these proteins in antidepressant activity of saffron in long term administration in the rat cerebellum.

Methods: Saffron aqueous extract (40 and 80 mg/kg/day) and imipramine (10 mg/kg/day) were administered intraperitoneally for 21 days to rats.