saffron, crocus sativus l. (c. sativus) is rich in carotenoids and used in traditional medicine for treatment of various conditions such as coughs, stomach disorders, amenorrhea, asthma and cardiovascular disorders. these therapeutic effects of the plant are suggested to be due to its relaxant effect on smooth muscles. the effect of c. sativus and its constituents on different smooth muscles an...

nigella sativa (n. sativa) is a spice plant which has been traditionally used for culinary and medicinal purposes. different therapeutic properties including the beneficial effects on asthma and dyspnea, digestive and gynecology disorders have been described for the seeds of n. sativa. there is evidence of the relaxant effects of this plant and some of its constituents on different types of smo...

cirrhosis is characterized by marked abnormalities in the cardiovascular system. a hyperdynamic splanchnic and systemic circulation is typical of cirrhotic patients and has been observed in all experimental forms of portal hypertension. the hyperdynamic circulation is most likely initiated by arterial vasodilatation, leading to central hypovolemia, sodium retention, and an increased intravascul...

learning is a cornerstone of intelligent behavior in animals. this behavior has been mostly studied in organisms with a fairly complex nervous system. however, recent reports of learning in unicellular organisms suggested the existence of associative learning in unicellular organisms. in particular, the capability to associate different light intensities with cathodal stimulation in paramecium ...