In Iran, HERBAL WATERS are as traditional medicinal products and are widespreadly consumed. Therefore, microbial quality of these products in terms of public health is important. The aim of this study was evaluation of microbial quality of HERBAL WATERS distributed in Kashan 2012. In this descriptive study, the number of 132 HERBAL WATERS samples (27 traditional samples and 105 industrial samples) distributed in Kashan during 2012 year were purchased and transferred to laboratory. Then microbial tests such as total aerobic bacterial count, mold and yeast count, total coliforms, detection of enterococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and sulphite reducing clostridia were evaluated based on national standard of Iran. The results showed that any one samples not contaminated to coliforms, E. coli and Sulphite reducing clostridia. 51.52% and 11.6% of samples were demonstrated total mesophilic bacteria and yeast counts more than the standard, respectively. Also, based on national standard of Iran, 57 industrial HERBAL WATERS samples (54.29%) and 4 traditional HERBAL WATERS samples were usable. Based on obtained results and contamination of some of these products to mold and yeast as well as high count of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, pasteurization, good packaging material and good hygiene in processing procedure is recommended.

Objective (s): HERBAL WATERS are extensively used in most parts of Iran including Mashhad. Visiting a patient with total blindness due to daily ingestion of around 200 ml of HERBAL water (Plant forty water) per day for six months was the rational for methanol determination in all HERBAL WATERS available in Mashhad markets.Materials and Methods: A total of two hundred and nineteen bottles of HERBAL WATERS were randomly bought from Mashhad market. Methanol concentration was determined by gas chromatography, using a Flame Ionized Detector. Benzene (1000 mg/l) was applied as the internal standard. Collected data was analyzed by SPSS software (version 11.5), using appropriate descriptive statistical tests.Results: Forty six different HERBAL WATERS from three main producing factories (A, B and C) were tested. Highest methanol concentration was measured in dill water of A (1208±202.74 mg/l), concentrated rose water of A (1017.41±59.68 mg/l) and concentrated rose water of B (978.52±92.81 mg/l). Lowest methanol concentration was determined in Trachyspermum copticum water of B (18.93±1.04 mg/l), cinnamon and ginger water of B (29.64±10.88 mg/l) and rice skin water of A (41.33±7.85 mg/l). Mean methanol concentrations of HERBAL WATERS including ginger, cinnamon, dill, peppermint, alfalfa, and plant forty from A, B and C were 374.69, 209.81 and 280.12 mg/l, respectively (P<0.001).Conclusion: Methanol concentration in all HERBAL WATERS, especially rose water of the three producers was very high that may induce toxicity in people taking these products regularly for a long time.

Despite the scientific and strategic importance of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman as well as a significant number of articles, there are still gaps in knowledge about their ecosystems. The knowledge on species composition and morphology of armored dinoflagellates in the vicinity of Hormuz Island (the Strait of Hormuz) are presented. Totally, 99 species (109 infra-specific taxa), belonging to 1 class. 6 orders, 13 families and 24 genera are reported. Seven species and 11 infra-specific taxa were found for the first time. Some new taxa are provided with the original descriptions and photographs. Moreover, based on a critical review of the literature on dinoflagellates discovered in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman up to the present investigation, a pilot checklist of dinoflagellates numbered 363 infra-specific taxa belonging to 81 genera was composed. By summing up previous and present knowledge, it turns out that the number of dinoflagellates recorded in these water bodies makes up 374 infra-specific taxa until now. The multispecies genera Ceratium and Protoperidinium made the greatest contribution to phytoplankton populations.

The earliest indications of medicinal plant use by humans were found in the Middle East and date back to the Stone Age. Travelers and traders introduced Greek and Roman Curative Practices to Indian & Chinese Practitioners, who blended them with their even older ones. Reintroduced by knights returning from the Crusades, these modified practices energized medieval European medicine and the Unani Medicine al Muslims. This cross- pollination of ideas and theories between European and Asian Cultures regarding medicinal plants helped advanced knowledge about plants and somewhat standardize their uses. Books cataloging medicinal plants helped preserve, disseminate and standardize this knowledge.