Glutamate antagonists such as topiramate have been proposed based on the glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia because its properties encourage its exploration and possible development as a medication for the treatment of schizophrenia. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 18- to 45-year-old patients with schizophrenia. Baseline information including vital signs, height, weight, smoking status, demographic characteristics, (past) psychiatric history, medication history and medication-related adverse effects were collected. Patients were randomly assigned to a topiramate or placebo group. Efficacy of medication was measured by administering Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and tolerability of treatment was recorded on day 0 (baseline), day 28 and day 56. PANSS values (95% confidence interval) at baseline, day 28 and day 56 in the topiramate group were 96.87 (85.37-108.37), 85.68 (74.67-96.70) and 76.87 (66.06-87.69), respectively; compared with 101.87 (90.37-113.37), 100.31 (89.29-111.32) and 100.56 (89.74-111.37) in the placebo group. General linear model for repeated measures analysis showed that topiramate has lowered PANSS values significantly compared with the placebo group. Similar significant decline patterns were found in all three subscales (negative, positive and psychopathology sign). Clinical response (more than 20% reduction in PANSS) was significantly higher in topiramate-treated subjects than controls (50% vs 12.5%). Topiramate can be an effective medication in controlling schizophrenic symptoms, considering its effect on negative symptoms and controlling antipsychotic-associated weight gain.

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The medicinal properties attributed to Crocus sativus L. (saffron) are extensive. The safety of saffron is important in relation to its medicinal applications. This study was performed to elucidate the possible toxic effects of ethanolic extract of Crocus sativus L. stigma on liver, kidney and some hematological parameters in rats. Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups of eight animals each. Group 1 was treated with ISS as control and Groups 2 to 4 were treated with extract administered daily for 2 weeks intraperitoneally in doses of 0.35, 0.70 and 1.05 g kg −1 , respectively. Body weight of the animals were recorded on the first, seven and final days of the experiment. The haematological studies include total RBC count, total WBC count, Hb, %HCT, MCV, MCH and MCHC. Biochemical/serum profile studies include ALT, AST, urea, uric acid and creatinine. Tissue specimens of the liver and kidneys were subjected to histological examination using standard hematoxyline-eosin staining. The extract caused significant reductions in the Hb and HCT levels and total RBC count, although it showed any dose-dependent effect. Total WBC count showed significant dose-dependent increases in extract treated rats. Significant dose-dependent increased values of AST, ALT, urea, uric acid and creatinine were seen. Microscopically, there were mild to severe hepatic and renal tissue injuries supporting the biochemical analysis. The results indicated that extract of Crocus sativus L. stigma is toxic in high doses.

PURPOSE:To evaluate the effect of Black cumin (Nigella sativa Linn.) pre-treatment on renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced injury in the rats. METHODS:A total of 40 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five equal groups including Sham, I/R model and three I/R+ Black cumin (0.5, 1 and 2%)-treated groups. I/R groups' kidneys were subjected to 60 min of global ischemia at 37°C followed by 24 h of reperfusion. At the end of reperfusion period, the rats were euthanized. Superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities as well as reduced glutathione and renal malondialdehyde contents were determined in renal tissues. Kidney function tests and histopathological examination were also performed. RESULTS:High serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and uric acid as well as malondialhehyde (MDA) levels, and low antioxidant enzyme activities were observed in I/R rats compared to the sham rats. Pre-treatment with Black cumin for three weeks prior to IR operation improved renal function and reduced I/R induced renal inflammation and oxidative injury. These biochemical observations were supported by histopathological test of kidney sections. CONCLUSION:Black cumin significantly prevented renal ischemia/reperfusion induced functional and histological injuries.Key words: Nigella sativa. Ischemia. Reperfusion. Kidney. Rats. Study on the effect of black cumin (Nigella sativa Linn.) on experimental renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

The results showed that the Iranian version of the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS-26) bears satisfactory psychometric properties suggesting that this cognitive instrument is appropriate for use in an Iranian cultural context.