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Background and objectives: Psoriasis is a prevalent, chronic, and inflammatory disorder with good response rates using novel treatment strategies. However, side effects are a limiting factor in long-time treatment. Recent studies have demonstrated that many natural remedies have fewer side effects, and are thus safer options. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a novel topical herbal preparation in patients with plaque psoriasis. Methods: This randomized, triple-blind, vehicle-controlled, two-arm parallel trial was conducted in patients with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis (psoriasis area & severity index= PASI score< 12). We randomized 108 patients in 1:1 ratio to receive Boswellia-based cream (containing Boswellia spp. ethanolic extract, Boswellia spp. oil, Glycyrrhiza glabra extract, Cucurbita pepo pulp oil) or vehicle cream, both applied as a thin layer on skin lesions twice daily for four weeks. Results: Compared with vehicle, the Boswellia-based cream group showed greater reduction in mean PASI score from baseline to week two and from week two to week four (both p

This study aimed to assess the antinociceptive activity of extracts and fractions of Paeonia daurica subsp. macrophylla in BALB/c mice. Various doses of hydro-alcoholic extract (HE), hexane fraction (F-hexane), methanol (F-MeOH), and chloroform (F-CHCl3), as well as aqueous extracts (AE), were evaluated by a well-known model, a formalin-induced pain test in mice. All extracts, piroxicam 0.1 mg/kg, and negative control groups were administered 30 minutes before formalin injection. Flinching, licking, and biting reflexes were measured as painful factors compared with controls at intervals of 0 to 5 minutes, 0 to 15, and 0 to 60 minutes after formalin injection. The acute oral toxicity test of total ethanolic and aqueous extracts showed no signs of toxic effect up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg. In the formalin test at a time interval of 0 to 5 minutes, there was no significant difference between the results of the study groups. In the range of 0 to 15 minutes, the effect of AE (1 g/kg), HE (2, 3 g/kg), and F-hexane (1 g/kg) was significantly higher than the positive control group (p

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Persian Medicine-based dietary protocol (PM diet) in patients infected with COVID-19. A randomized clinical trial was performed from July 2020 to January 2021 in Tehran, Iran. Eighty patients admitted due to pulmonary dysfunction caused by COVID-19 were randomly allocated into two groups: the PM diet or the common hospital (CH) diet. Eight beds in 2 rooms were considered for each group. Patients were randomly hospitalized in these rooms and received these diets up to discharge or death. The details of the PM diet were published before (Hospital diet for COVID-19, an acute respiratory infectious disease: An evidence-based Protocol of a Clinical Trial). O2 saturation level and duration of hospitalization, the rate of mortality, duration of fever, and duration of cough were considered as the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. O2 Saturation and fever durationwere not different between groups (P-value= 0.08, 0.312, respectively). But the duration of hospitalization and the duration of cough in the PM diet group were significantly shorter than in the CH diet (P-value= 0.002, 0.009, and HR=2.02, 1.86 respectively). The mortality rate was significantly lower in the PM diet group than in the CH diet group (Odds ratio: 0.12, P-value=0.026). PM diet caused a lower mortality rate, shorter hospital stay, and better improvement in cough, but did not have a significant effect on O2 saturation and fever.

A holistic concept based on traditional Persian medicine (TPM) describes a headache with a gastrointestinal (GI) origin (gastric-headache). Although the neurological manifestations of this headache are similar to those of other headaches, its etiology is different. Considering its simultaneous effects on the brain and GI system, a formulation was designed based on this concept. This study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of the designed formulation on migraine headache (MH) associated with functional dyspepsia (FD). A total of 75 diagnosed cases of MH patients with concurrent FD were randomly divided equally into 3 groups: (i) the polyherbal formulation, sodium valproate (VPA), and amitriptyline group, (ii) VPA, amitriptyline, and polyherbal formulation placebo group, and (iii) the polyherbal formulation and VPA placebo group. The primary outcomes, including frequency, duration, and severity of MH attacks, were measured at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12. However, secondary outcomes, including the Headache Impact Test 6 (HIT-6) Questionnaire and Parkman's score, were evaluated at baseline and end of treatment. The frequency, duration, and severity of migraine (P < 0.001 for all cases), HIT-6 (P < 0.001 for all cases), and FD (P < 0.001 for all cases) scores at the end of treatment showed a significant decrease in the 3 groups compared to the baseline. However, the differences in those variables between the 3 groups were not significant at the end of the study. The polyherbal formulation alone may improve the symptoms of migraine patients and other groups. This effect could be due to improving digestion and FD in migraine patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and Objectives: Present study evaluated the safety profile and efficacy of G‐Rup® syrup (100 mg/ml ginger extract plus 150 mg/ml honey) in symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Patients diagnosed with knee OA were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either of a 30 ml twice daily regimen of G‐Rup® syrup or placebo over a 12‐week period. Primary endpoints of the study comprised of an improvement in the joint's stiffness, physical functioning and pain score, assessed by WOMAC questionnaire and the visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary objectives comprised of safety and tolerability of the syrup by patients. Results and discussion: The 30 ml twice‐daily regimen of G‐Rup® syrup was safe and well tolerated by patients. Moreover, in whole studied time points, treatment with G‐Rup® syrup could significantly Power the VAS score (p < 0.001) whereas improving WOMAC total score (p < 0.001) and pain (p < 0.001), physical functioning (p < 0.001), and stiffness sub‐scores (p = 0.006) compared to the placebo receiving group. What is new and Conclusion: Based on obtained results, the G‐Rup® syrup, composed of a combination of honey and ginger, may be a proper supplementary choice, along with routine therapeutic regimens, for improvement of symptomatic treatment of OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insomnia and sleep disorders are common and can be severe amongst patients with cancer, especially during chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of lettuce seed syrup in breast cancer patients who suffer from insomnia or disordered sleep. This pilot study was a double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial conducted in Shoha-e-Tajrish Hospital (Tehran, Iran) from September 2018 to June 2019. 50 adult patients with breast cancer with insomnia or sleep disorders were enrolled. Participants were randomly allocated to lettuce seed syrup (5 mL twice daily), or placebo syrup at the same dose for four weeks. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep quality before and after the intervention. Compared to placebo, the mean of the total PSQI score decreased significantly in participants who received lettuce seed syrup (p=0.014). In addition, there were statistically significant reductions in the mean scores of subject quality sleep (p=0.002), sleep duration (p=0.038), habitual sleep efficacy (p=0.029) and sleep disturbance (p=0.032) in patients who received lettuce seed syrup. Lettuce seed syrup may improve self-reported sleep quality in participants with breast cancer. Larger trials are indicated in diverse samples of participants with caner to learn if these finds are generalizable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) are regularly exposed to oxidative stress and inflammation and may suffer from thirst distress with no definitive treatment to address these complications. Descurainia sophia (DS) has been used to alleviate thirst in traditional Persian medicine. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of DS on oxidation factors and thirst score in HD patients. Methods. This study was conducted on fifty-three HD patients referred to Tehran Shahid Modarres hospital. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 received DS for six weeks, then underwent four weeks of washout period followed by six weeks of placebo treatment, while group 2 received placebo initially followed by treatment with DS. Biochemistry, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in four phases: at the beginning, before washout, after washout, and at the end of the study. The patient's body weight was recorded at the start of each session to assess interdialytic weight gain. Thirst scores also were measured using a visual analog scale. Results. A total of 53 patients, including 23 (43.4%) male and 30 (56.6%) female subjects, were included in the study. The results showed a reduction in thirst score (p = 0.001), cholesterol levels (p = 0.046), triglycerides (0.003), and MDA (p < 0.001) following the four-week administration of DS treatment in HD patients. The mean levels of TAC were increased (p < 0.001), and calcium, as well as Na+, remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Also, a significant decrease in the patient's weight was observed (p value <0.001). This effect persisted after shifting to a placebo. However, the two groups had no significant difference (p value = 0.539). Conclusion. DS powder-mixed syrup may benefit HD patients by facilitating free radical scavenging and alleviating thirst distress with minimal adverse effects. The seeds could therefore be utilized as a complementary therapy for hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic pruritus is one of the most common conditions in dermatology and a common manifestation in many systemic diseases. Since the etiology of chronic pruritus remains somewhat unknown, hence, conventional medications may not always show a good therapeutic response. This finding has led both investigators and patients to use herbal and complementary remedies for its treatment. The aim of this study was to review clinical trials in which herbal and complementary medicine was used in the control and treatment of chronic pruritus. Materials and methods: In this study, we reviewed related articles in this domain, from 2000 to 2020. The search involved electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and SID databases using the keywords "pruritus," "itch," "herb," "complementary medicine," "traditional medicine," "integrative medicine," and their related MeSH terms. Finally, we extracted the pertinent information from these articles and summarized the results. Results: The findings of this study showed that 17 clinical trials have been conducted till date in order to evaluate the efficacy of herbal remedies and complementary medicines in the treatment of chronic pruritus. Herbal remedies including turmeric, Fumaria parviflora, Avena sativa, capsaicin, sweet almond oil, peppermint oil, violet oil, vinegar, as well as manual therapies including aromatherapy, auricular acupressure, and acupuncture, were significantly effective in the treatment of chronic pruritus. Conclusion: There are only a few studies published on the therapeutic efficacy of herbal remedies and complementary medicine in the treatment of chronic pruritus. Some have shown promising results. Therefore, more evidence‐based studies are needed in order to determine if herbal remedies and complementary medicine could be an effective alternative or adjuvant treatment modality in chronic pruritus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, research on how traditional medicine works and the relationship between medicine and classical medicine has increased. In this regard, the use of metabolomics is one of the main candidates that can reflect the state of the body's basic metabolism and may be able to explain a new way to explain the function of traditional medicine by evaluating its effect based on evidence and modernizing it under the supervision of new sciences. Materials and methods: In this review study, in an advanced search from papers published in English language from 2003 to 2020 with key words of "traditional medicine", "temperament" and "metabolomics" in the databases of PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, Cochrane, Embase is used. Result: Animal and human studies conducted to relate the concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and metabolomics. The results of studies showed the specific metabolic profile in subtypes of diseases based on theory of Chinese Medicine. In field of Persian Medicine (PM), limited researches have been published on the differentiation of proteomics and metabolites of individuals with different Mizaj. Conclusion: Metabolomics has a potential role to establish a new approach to understanding the main concepts of PM such as Mizaj, classifications of diseases and effectiveness of traditional formula on humans with different Mizaj. Given that most of the research work is focused on herbal medicines and diseases and the important issue of temperament in human samples has done less work, it seems that in modernizing traditional medicine using new approaches such as metabolomics, the first step should be the basics of this medicine should be removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femur head due to the death of the osteocytes of the bone marrow occurs because the organ is not supplied with sufficient blood. The prevalence of the problem is 10%-50% in adults. The etiology of the disease includes various factors such as trauma, cigarette smoking, drinking spirits, taking corticosteroids, genetics, metabolic disorders, human immunodeficiency virus, pregnancy, and the like. The treatment of necrosis can be conducted regarding the degree of the problem. In the present paper, a case was reported whose femur head necrosis was treated by applying Iranian Medicine without using common drugs in modem Medicine. The patient was a 46-year-old man who had felt severe pain in his left hip since a month before referring. The pain had gradually increased and the AVN of the femur head was diagnosed after magnetic resonance imaging. Finally, the surgery and arthroplasty of the femur head were recommended in this regard. In general, surgery and arthroplasty were recommended regarding the hard medicinal and complicated treatment of the AVN of the femur head. However, it is noteworthy that applying Iranian medicine capacities is possible for curing the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ash-Kardeh is one of the few fermented foods without a dairy base in Iran, which is traditionally prepared from cereals and plants in the presence of microorganisms (mainly lactic acid bacteria). Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effects of Ash-Kardeh consumption on blood glucose, lipid profile, and blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: Forty-six patients with type 2 diabetes were studied in this randomized controlled clinical trial. Subjects were randomly allocated into intervention (n = 23) and control (n = 23) groups. Individuals of both groups received the usual treatment of diabetic patients, while those in the intervention group, in addition to the usual treatment, received 250 g of Ash-Kardeh daily for 6 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid profiles were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Compared to the control group, Ash-Kardeh consumption led to a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose (P = 0.003), total cholesterol (P = 0.025), triglyceride (P = 0.003), systolic (P < 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.014) in the intervention group. Also, a significant increase in the concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.048) was observed after Ash-Kardeh consumption. Conclusion: It seems that Ash-Kardeh consumption could improve high blood glucose, lipid profile, and hypertension in type 2 diabetic patients but does not affect low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. This study was registered on 2019-09-15 in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir) with the code number IRCT20170202032367N3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Persian medicine (PM), measuring the wrist pulse is one of the main methods for determining a person's health status and temperament. One problem that can arise is the dependence of the diagnosis on the physician's interpretation of pulse wave features. Perhaps, this is one reason why this method has yet to be combined with modern medical methods. This paper addresses this concern and outlines a system for measuring pulse signals based on PM. Methods: A system that uses data from a customized device that logs the pulse wave on the wrist was designed and clinically implemented based on PM. Seven convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been used for classification. Results: The pulse wave features of 34 participants were assessed by a specialist based on PM principles. Pulse taking was done on the wrist in the supine position (named Malmas in PM) under the supervision of the physician. Seven CNNs were implemented for each participant's pulse characteristic (pace, rate, vessel elasticity, strength, width, length, and height) assessment, and then, each participant was classified into three classes. Conclusion: It appears that the design and construction of a customized device combined with the deep learning algorithm can measure the pulse wave features according to PM and it can increase the reliability and repeatability of the diagnostic results based on PM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastric disorders are one of the most common human ailments, which impose a huge economic burden on countries. In Persian Medicine (PM), it is possible to predict the susceptibility to gastric diseases with diagnosis of gastric Mizajes (temperaments) and dystemperaments. The semiology of gastric dystemperaments has been investigated in PM textbooks, although the value of each sign and symptom is not mentioned. Consequently, this research is designed to determine the major and minor criteria for classifying gastric dystemperaments on the basis of valid manuscripts and with the help of PM specialists in the present era. Methods: This was a consensus-based study consisting of four phases. In the first phase, reference PM textbooks were studied. Symptoms and signs of gastric dystemperaments were collected and listed in four groups. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews with a sample of PM experts were carried out. Phase three included a focused group discussion with experts. Eventually, findings were integrated from the three study phases in a two-day meeting in Sari City. Results: Selected criteria included eight major and eight minor criteria for hot-cold dystemperament, as well as six major and eight minor criteria for wet-dry gastric dystemperament. Conclusion: Modern lifestyles and the interfering factors are responsible for some changes in diagnostic signs and symptoms according to PM. This was the first step to coordinate PM diagnostic criteria for gastric dystemperaments. Further studies are recommended to reach a unique protocol in the field of PM diagnostics. The next step includes design and validation of national diagnostic tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on March 11, 2020. Since then, researchers have been investigating the efficacy and side effects of its medication, up until now. From the viewpoint of Persian medicine, some medications such as antihistamines may cause retention of secretions and lead to exacerbation and spread of the disease in the body. There are studies with conflicting results regarding the effectiveness of antihistamines in COVID-19. Systematic reviews found a lack of data on beneficial effect of antihistamine-decongestant-analgesic combinations for the common cold and a limited short-term effect of antihistamines on severity of overall symptoms. This prospective cohort study was designed to investigate the relationship between the use of antihistamines and the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Three hundred patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 participated in the study in Shiraz, Iran from December 4, 2021 until January 24, 2022. The interviews were conducted via phone call by a single interviewer. Patients were followed weekly for 4 weeks. We collected information by using a data collection form, containing demographic information, underlying disease, COVID-19 symptoms, treatment methods, medications, and a list of antihistamines and herbs that might have been used. Generalized estimating equations were applied to assess the relationship between the severity of COVID-19 and the use of antihistamines, taking into account potential confounding factors such as time and herbal consumption. The difference in the severity of COVID-19 disease in antihistamine users compared to nonusers was not significant in 4 weeks despite the higher baseline severity in nonusers. The comparison of two groups of antihistamine users and nonusers showed that there was a significant difference (p = 0.001) regarding the use of herbal medicines., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Introduction: People's understanding of bladder stones has a long history. Since around the sixth century BC, surgery has been selected as the most specialized and last treatment and has continuously evolved. Meanwhile, many missing links have sometimes been a turning point in bladder stone surgery. The efforts of Iranian medicine scholars in advancing this treatment method are part of the impressive ups and downs of this path, which is discussed in this research., Methods: This review research is based on Persian medicine sources, such as Al-Hawi fi al-Tabb, The Kitāb al-Taṣrīf, and Al-Qanun fi al-Tebb. It has also used reliable databases such as Pub Med, Scopus, and Elsevier, as well as search engines such as Google Scholar, with related keywords., Results: Surgery as the last treatment method for bladder stones was first proposed in the Golden Age (800-1300AD) of Persian traditional medicine by Ali ibn Rabben Tabari (810-895 AD) and Rhazes (865-925 AD), who discussed it in more detail. Then Hally Abbas, Albucasis, and Avicenna completed and enriched it. Albucasis's role is imposing due to his unique techniques in perineal cystolithotomy, forceps to extract bladder stones, and primary lithotrity until the nineteenth century., Conclusion: Examining the evolution and progress of bladder stone treatment shows the efforts of physicians in different medical schools. The brilliance of the sages of Persian Medicine, who invented seven different types of bladder stone surgery, improved the techniques of the predecessors and created a significant leap in the progress of this surgery.

The initial descriptions of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been a topic of discussion. Cases of persistent diarrhea have been documented as far back as ancient Greece, with even Hippocrates (∼ 460-370 BCE) exploring various potential causes of diarrhea. Persian medicine was the predominant medical practice in the Eurasia region until the 18th century and had roots in Hippocrates and the ancient civilization of the region. Scholars, such as Avicenna (980-1025 CE), extensively described a disease characterized by intestinal ulcers, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal pain in the early medieval period. While some of the definitions and etiologies of IBD in Persian medicine are based on humoral theories that differ from current medical concepts, recent studies have suggested a potential relationship between the traditional Persian medicine understanding of the disease and IBD. Persian medicine classifies patients with specific diseases into different types of disorders known as dystemperament, with the application of these differences referred to as "syndrome differentiation." These traditional classifications require distinct therapeutic approaches. Research has delved into the molecular bases of the humoral theory and the impact of syndrome differentiation on drug selection for patients, including those with IBD. However, further research is needed to explore the potential effectiveness of Persian medicine in treating IBD and to understand how this ancient classification system can contribute to improved disease management., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a traditional Persian herbal formula containing Melissa officinalis, Pimpinella anisum, and Rosa damascena (MPR) on anxiety and depression in IBS patients with symptoms of constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C)., Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in Afzalipour Hospital via block randomization method. A total of 96 IBS-C patients (based on Rome IV criteria), aged 18-60 years, were included in this study. Participants received capsules containing either 500 mg of herbal formula or placebo (cornstarch) twice a day for four weeks Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale., Results: Forty-three patients in the intervention group and 45 patients in the control group completed this study. Except for the education level, there were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics between the two groups (P > 0.05). The mean levels of anxiety and depression, and total IBS symptom severity score showed no significant differences between the two groups at baseline (P > 0.05). After four weeks of treatment, the anxiety score considerably improvement in the treatment group (Cohen's d = -1.19, 95 % confidence intervals [CIs] -4.49 to 2.13), as did the depression score (Cohen's d = -1.93, 95 % CIs -4.32 to 2.79)., Conclusion: MPR considerably improved anxiety and depression in patients with IBS-C compared to the placebo without serious side effects., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The journal of research on history of medicine (RHM) starts to be published from Feb. 2012. It passed its first decade of life by publishing current issue. By analyzing these 10 volumes, it shows that there are 284 articles that are written by 342 authors from 18 countries. These authors are affiliated to 90 institutions, that Shiraz University of medical sciences has the most contribution among them. In addition, the share of Iranian authors is more than other countries significantly. The journal is indexed in 14 indexing and abstracting databases. It needs to set a program for improving the quality of international cooperation, indexing of the journal and published papers for next decade.

Introduction: Menstrual bleeding is a reflection of periodic secretion endometrial loss due to decreased estradiol and progesterone production. In traditional medicine, ginger is described as a menstrual blood enhancer. This study was performed with aim to compare the oral and topical effect of ginger on the rate of menstrual bleeding in girls with regular menstruation. Methods: This single-blind randomized clinical trial study was performed on 70 female students living in the dormitory of Shahid Beheshti University in 2016-2017. Subjects were divided into two groups: capsules and ginger oil (n=35 in each group). Both groups consumed the drug for three consecutive menstrual cycles from two days before menstruation until the first three days of menstruation. The Higham chart (PBAC) was used to determine the amount of menstrual bleeding. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 17) using Mann-Whitney U and Friedman tests. P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The two groups were similar in terms of bleeding volume at the beginning of the study (P=0.38). The mean volume of bleeding in the first cycle in the ginger capsule group was 104.91 ± 64.01, and reached to 102.26 ± 57.2 in the fourth cycle of intervention, which was not significant (p= 0.8). In the ginger oil group, the mean volume of bleeding in the first cycle was 92.8 ± 46.44 and in the fourth cycle 101.88 ± 71.14, which was not significant (p= 0.4). Conclusion: Ginger oil was not different from ginger capsules in the amount of menstrual bleeding in girls with regular menstruation; ginger oil and ginger capsule alone did not affect menstrual bleeding.

Objectives: Cardiovascular disorders are the most common causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Complementary medicine reduces the complications related to cardiovascular disorders while improving the quality of life of patients. The aim of this study was to review the effects of aromatherapy on cardiovascular disorders from the perspectives of Persian and modern medicine. Methods: In this review article, information related to Persian medicine was collected by searching through "Comprehensive Library of Traditional and Islamic Medicine" software (Noor Digital Library) using keywords such as "smelling", "sham", "lakhlakheh", "bakhoor", "heart", and "dill". Additionally, to find clinical trials (1994-2019) related to the effect of aromatherapy on cardiovascular disorders, electronic databases such as ISI, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched using several keywords including "cardiovascular disorder", "heart," "coronary", "cardiovascular disease", "cardiac", "aroma", and "aromatherapy". Results: According to Persian medicine references, the heart is the most important organ and gives life to the whole body. Aromatherapy using odorous herbs such as rose, apple, quince, and saffron helps balance the heart temperament and improve cardiovascular disorders through their cardiotonic, anti-syncope, anti-depressant, and anti-arrhythmic properties. Conclusions: Based on Persian medicine references and recent findings in modern medicine, aromatherapy is an effective approach for relieving cardiovascular disorders. Considering these findings, it is suggested to include aromatherapy as a palliative measure for cardiovascular patients. It is also recommended that more clinical trials derived from Persian medicine references be conducted to value the effectiveness of aromatherapy for treating various cardiovascular ailments.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine is increasing throughout the world. Traditional Persian medicine, with a long history, is well known as a branch of complementary and alternative medicine and has a role in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward Persian medicine among Medical School staff were assessed in this study because of the importance of education in this field. This cross-sectional study was performed in 2020. As there was no specific questionnaire for assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice toward Persian medicine, data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire that was found to be both valid and reliable; the data were then analyzed statistically using SPSS software version 25. One hundred and fifty-three staff members were included in this study. The average score of performance in using treatment modalities in traditional Persian medicine was moderate, but the average score of knowledge about Persian medicine treatment modalities was low. The average score of attitude was positive, and 66.6% of people agreed with participating in the short-term course of traditional Persian medicine. The participants in this study showed moderate performance and a positive attitude towards traditional Persian medicine despite little knowledge of different Persian medicine treatment modalities. Most people expressed a desire to get acquainted with it. Therefore, it is suggested that courses be held to inform the staff about traditional Persian medicine.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has shown increasing acceptance, popularity, and use all around the world. The International Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire (I-CAM-Q) was developed to be a standard research instrument for achieving more reliable data and enabling researchers for comparing multiple studies on CAM use. This study aimed to provide a Persian translation of I-CAM-Q that also was adapted according to Iranian culture. The I-CAM-Q was translated and back-translated to Persian by a team of 2 translators and 2 traditional Persian medicine specialists. Then an internet-based specialist survey and an experts’ panel using the DELPHI method were done to perform cross-cultural adaptation. The feasibility study of the Iranian version of I-CAM-Q (i.e., I-CAM-IR) was tested upon adult population, the final changes were done to I-CAM-IR and data were gathered from 301 hypertensive patients. The related specific words such as traditional Persian medicine and “Attar” (herbalist) were added to the questionnaire for a more precise local adaptation. Meanwhile, some structural changes were made in the first two pages of the original I-CAM-Q and the questions about disclosure were added to it. This questionnaire was easily accepted by most patients during the interview. Generally, 72.4% of our hypertensive participants used CAM but only 41.8% of them disclosed this to their physicians. I-CAM-Q is a standard questionnaire that needs to be adapted to non-English speaking countries. Generally, in this study the useage of CAM among people with hypertention was high. Therefore, it is emphesised that physisians should have adequate knowledge about it. Meanwhile, conducting multicentral researches in this field will provide the basis for accumulative data about CAM use in Iran.

Background: Non-pharmacological strategies that have been proposed by complementary medical systems, can be effective in management of COVID-19. Methods: This study was designed as a three-arm, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. A total of 139 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) acupuncture (ACUG), (2) cupping (CUPG), and (3) control (CTRG). All participants received conventional treatment. The primary study endpoint included changes in respiratory signs including oxygen saturation (SpO2) and respiratory rate (RR). The secondary endpoints were COVID-19-related hospitalization duration and serious adverse events such as intensive care unit (ICU) admission, intubation or death, all up to day 30. Also, improvements in cough, dyspnea, chest tightness, oxygen demand, anorexia, headache, weakness, sore throat, and myalgia were evaluated. Results: Forty-two patients in ACUG, 44 patients in CUPG, and 42 patients in CTRG completed the trial. After 3 days, SpO2 and RR improved significantly in CUPG and ACUG compared with CTRG (effect size: 8.49 (6.4 to 10.57) and 8.51 (6.67 to 10.34), respectively: p

Objective: In spite of the great advances in the field of traumatic brain injury (TBI), it still remains as a global health problem. Phlebotomy has been mentioned as an effective treatment for TBI in Persian medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the possible effect of saphenous vein phlebotomy (SVP) on the alleviation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress after TBI. Methods: Seventy-two adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three main groups: sham, TBI and TBI + SVP group. Animal model of TBI was made through a controlled cortical impactor (CCI) device and SVP treatment was applied 10 min after TBI. Then, neurological function, body temperature, cerebral edema, blood–brain barrier integrity, brain apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation were assessed. Results: Our results indicated that SVP was associated with improvement of neurological scores 24 h post-TBI. In addition, SVP application significantly alleviated proinflammatory cytokines (IL- 1β, IL-17, and TNF-α) and oxidative stress factors as shown by reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) and elevation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) with no significant effect on glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and nitric oxide (NO) in the brain 6 h after TBI. Besides, it reduced body temperature, attenuated severity of brain edema, and also reduced caspase-3 and number of apoptotic neurons. Conclusion: This study showed that SVP could ameliorate the severity of acute TBI, partly through alleviation of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Further studies are necessary for more understanding the involved mechanism(s).

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common causes of disability in diabetic patients. Applying a method to achieve the highest therapeutic effect in patients is desirable. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of leech therapy on diabetic neuropathy of lower limbs in comparison to gabapentin as a standard method. This randomized controlled parallel-group clinical trial was conducted among 40 patients with type II diabetes who were diagnosed with lower limb diabetic neuropathy and referred to specialized outpatient clinics in Babol, Mazandaran province, Iran from 23 September 2020 to 17 March 2021. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group was treated with leech therapy and the other group was treated with gabapentin as the standard method. The severity of neuropathy was assessed every 15 days until the 45th day. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS), Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS), and Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV), and Electromyography (EMG) were used for assessing the study outcomes. The repeated measure and Friedman tests were used by SPSS.V.23. The results of our study indicated that pain (P value:0.03), numbness (P value˂0.0001), and paranesthesia (P value:0.01) significantly reduced in patients undergoing leech therapy versus patients taking gabapentin on the 45th day. The total NSS (P value˂0.0001) and total NDS (P value˂0.0001) improved significantly for patients with leech therapy over 45 days compared to the patients with gabapentin. The results of our study showed that using leech therapy for patients with diabetic neuropathy was more effective in improving clinical symptoms and the functions of lower limb muscles and nerves in comparison to gabapentin. The severity and symptoms of neuropathy greatly improved for the patients treated with leech therapy versus patients taking gabapentin.

The quality of sleep changes with age and a reduction in sleep duration is observed in the elderly. Mizaj (temperament) is a fundamental theory in traditional Persian medicine. It is defined as all sides of personality describing a person’s morphological, psychological, and physiological situations. Although the evidence showed that temperament and sleep quality are related, no research has evaluated this issue statistically so far. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the correlation between sleep quality and temperament. This cross-sectional study included 1,359 elderly people (aged 60) in Tabriz, Iran in 2019. An interviewer accomplished the Tabriz Older People Survey (TOPS), Temperament and Sleep Quality Test, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A p value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Our findings indicated that there was a significant relationship between global PSQI and wet temperament (p value = 0.036). In addition, hot-cold temperament was statistically related to demographical items like gender, marital status, and occupational status (p value ≤ 0.05). A similar statistically significant relationship was also seen for wet-dry temperament (p value ≤ 0.05). Moreover, the global PSQI score in female and illiterates subjects and those who lived in detached houses was high, meaning that the sleep quality was poor in these groups. According to our findings, Mizaj affects the quality of sleep in older adults. Also, living conditions of the elderly, such as gender, type of residence, level of education, and job, affect the Mizaj of the elderly people.

Urinary Incontinence (UI) is a significant reason for the decline in women's quality of life. The unexpected occurrence of UI and its high costs around the world are evident. Numerous methods are used for the management of UI; however, there is no worldwide agreement on any of these methods. Traditional medicines are a source of human medical experiences and this study is a review on the books of the most famous Persian medicine (PM) physician, Avicenna, to find about his approach to UI. Keywords such as: "female urinary incontinence", "lifestyle", and “nutrition” were selected. As a library research, Avicenna’s (980- 1037 AD) "the Canon of Medicine" (Al-Qanun Fi al-Tibb), was reviewed and coded. Some other PM famous books like "the Great Continens" (Al-Hawi fi Al-Tibb) of Rhazes (865- 925 AD) and "The Comprehensive Book on Medicine" (Al-Shamil fi Al-Sana'a Al-Tibbiya) of Ibn al-Nafis al-Qarshi (1213- 1288 AD) were used as a help to interpret the codes just in case it was required. Modern literature was searched with the same keywords at electronic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Magiran. Finally, the results were compared. Recent studies care on conservative and lifestyle management in the treatment of UI. In PM, principles of lifestyle management (Setteh-e-zarurieh) is one of the main characteristics of prevention and treatment with six essential principles including weather, eating and drinking, sleep and wakefulness, movement and rest, evacuation and retention, and psychological and mental reactions. In healthy people, these six axes are designed by temperament and personal characteristics. In this manuscript, we discussed five mentioned subtypes. These managements are appropriate for designing various pieces of clinical trials to survey their effects on female UI.

Letter to the Editor

Background: Shilajit has been widely used remedy for treating a numerous of illness such as bone defects in Iran traditional folk medicine since hundreds of years ago. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of Shilajit on the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) in two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures. Materials and methods: ASCs were seeded in 3D 1% alginate (Alg) hydrogel with or without Shilajit (500 µg/mL) and compared with 2D cultures. Then, characterization was done using electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, alizarin red staining and Raman confocal microscopy. Results: Adding Shilajit had no impact on the Alg scaffold degradability. In the 3D hydrogel and in the presence of osteogenic medium (OM), Shilajit acted as enhancer to increase ALP activity and also showed osteoinductive property in the absence of OM compared to the 2D matched groups at all time points (days 7 and 21 both P = 0.0006, for 14 days P = 0.0006 and P = 0.002, respectively). In addition, calcium deposition was significantly increased in the cultures exposed to Shilajit compared to 2D matched groups on days 14 (P < 0.0001) and 21 (P = 0.0003 and P = 0.003, respectively). In both 3D and 2D conditions, Shilajit induced osteogenic differentiation, but Shilajit/Alg combination starts osteogenic differentiation in a short period of time. Conclusion: As Shilajit accelerates the differentiation of ASCs into the osteoblasts, without changing the physical properties of the Alg hydrogel, this combination may pave the way for more promising remedies considering bone defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common type of cancer in the world. In traditional Persian medicine (TPM), various types of temperament (Mizaj) are considered to diagnose, treat, and prevent a variety of illnesses. The present study aimed to evaluate the temperament of patients with NMSC in comparison with a control group. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in 2018 at the Dermatology Clinic of Shahid Faghihi Hospital affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran). A total of 110 patients, aged ≥20 years with confirmed NMSC (case group), and 181 individuals without NMSC (control group) were enrolled in the study. The temperament of the participants in both groups was evaluated using Mojahedi's Mizaj questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed that the odds ratio of developing NMSC was 2.62 (95%CI: 1.42-4.83, P=0.002) times higher in individuals with dry temperament than other types of temperament. Moreover, the odds ratio of patients with a history of chronic skin ulcers and other types of cancer was 35.7 (95%CI: 11.9-107.15, P<0.001) and 5.22 (95%CI: 1.43-19.06, P=0.012) times higher, respectively, than the control group. Conclusion: Temperament is associated with NMSC, particularly the dry temperament type, and should be considered a risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epilepsy induces behavioral effects and histological changes in the hippocampus. Eugenol, the main component of clove essential oil, has modulatory effects on seizure. We aimed to investigate the effect of intraperitoneal (IP) and intranasal (IN) clove essential oil on cognitive and histological changes during the chronic phase of temporal lope epilepsy. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups of seven including control, pilocarpine (PLC), clove oil (IP and IN), sesame oil (IP and IN), phenobarbital (positive control) and saline. Rats were injected with 350 mg/kg PLC to induce status epilepticus (SE). We evaluated the effects of 14 days IP (0.1 ml/kg) and IN (0.02 ml/kg) administration of clove essential oil on locomotor/explorative activity, anxiety-like behavior, spatial recognition memory, and hyperexcitability, as well as hippocampal cell survival in PLC-treated rats. Results: Our findings indicated that clove oil could effectively ameliorate PLC-induced behavioral deficits, and also alleviate neuronal death in the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) region of the hippocampus. Behavioral results as in the Y-maze, Open field and elevated plus maze featured significant differences between control and treated groups. Post-seizure behavioral battery (PBSS) results explicated that behavioral hyperexcitability were less in clove oil groups (both IN and IP) compared to PLC-treated rats. Moreover, results of this study demonstrated that IN administration of clove oil was more potent in alleviating behavioral impairment at a lower dosage than by IP route. The results of this study, also demonstrated that intranasal administration of clove oil could reduce duration of recurrent seizures. Conclusion: In summary, clove oil treatment ameliorated histopathological and behavioral consequences of PLC-induced SE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world and has many complications. Due to the importance of using alternative therapies in managing symptoms of this disease, the present study was designed and conducted to investigate the effect of co-supplementation of berberine and fenugreek in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 50 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Participants were randomized in the intervention group, which received 3 capsules/day of 500 mg (300 mg of berberine + 200 mg of fenugreek seed powder) or placebo for 12 weeks. Biochemical and anthropometric variables were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Results: We observed that fasting insulin, HbA1C, and hs-CRP significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the baseline. The mean difference in insulin resistance (-0.32 vs. 0.15), fasting blood sugar (-14.40 vs. 1.68), and fasting insulin (- 2.18 vs. 1.34) were clinically significant in comparison to the control group. Almost all domains of SF-12 scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the placebo group. Conclusions: The combination of berberine and fenugreek seed can improve cardio-metabolic status in patients with diabetes and support the anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory role of herb in the improvement of quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Academy of Jundishapur was the world's first university established during the Sassanid Empire in old Persia. Some of the important features of this scientific center of the ancient world include a policy of tolerance, conducting annual international congresses, compiling the first comprehensive medical textbook, doing the hospital rounds, physician licensure exam, special attention to the ethics, and using an educational curriculum. Moreover, its unique style of education made Jundishapur a brilliant school in the history of science. This outstanding academy maintained its impact on the scientific movement of that era for four centuries. It finally declined after transmission to Baghdad medical school. In this study, we have discussed the features of the Jundishapur school which made it a successful model for medical education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives. Human beings have used natural products as one of the pharmaceutical sources to improve human health for thousands of years. Phytochemical constituents distributed in different parts of medicinal plants cause therapeutic effects on treatment of acute and chronic diseases. Over the years, traditional Persian medicine has become popular over Iran and some countries globally as a source of alternative therapies of kidney diseases and renal dysfunctions. Iranian herbal medicine consists of natural compounds with complex active ingredients that causes valuable effects. Despite performing research works on traditional Persian medicine in the treatment of kidney disorders, there is still a need to investigate on chemical components and biological molecules of medicinal plants. Methods. This review was focused on studying the various secondary metabolites in model plants of Iranian herbal medicine known as treatment of kidney diseases in traditional Persian medicine textbooks including Makhzan-ol-Advieh, The Canon of Medicine, and Taghvim al-Abdan fi Tadbir al-Ensan. Results. Secondary metabolites of 94 medical plants belonging to 42 families were reported with their scientific and family name. Conclusion. Although herbal medicines are gaining rapid popularity among people and the pharmaceutical industry, the understandings of the phytochemical and therapeutic properties of medicinal plant are important for developing effective nephroprotective medicines. Therefore, the relationship between traditional uses and biological properties should be clearly verified through further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as one of the health-threatening problems imposes many economic costs on health systems. Today, there is a greater tendency to use complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a Persian herbal formulation in patients with COPD. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 76 patients with mild-severe COPD assigned to 2 groups (in each group n=38) for 8 weeks. The interventional group received Compound Honey Syrup (CHS), consisting of combination of honey and extracts of five medicinal plants (i.e., ginger, cinnamon, saffron, cardamom, and galangal) and the control group received a placebo. The COPD Assessment Test (CAT), St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and lung function test were used before and after. Results: Seventy-six patients, 88.6% male and 55.7% under 60 years of age, completed the course of treatment. At the end of the study, the overall score of the CAT questionnaire was significantly different between the first and fourth week (P=0.029). Meanwhile the findings of SGRQ questionnaire were significantly different between the interventional and control groups at other times (P=0.001). FEV1 and FEV1/FVC were found to be significantly different between two groups in weeks 4 and 8 (P <0.05). At the end of the study, no side effects of CHS were reported. Conclusion: Based on the data presented herein, CHS could be effective as a complementary and safe drug in increasing the quality of life of with COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: COVID-19 is one of the most severe, intestinal, respiratory, and systemic infections in animals and humans. The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of kelofan syrup on biochemical factors and clinical signs of patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 60 hospitalized patients with moderate or severe COVID-19. The intervention group received 7.5 cc of kelofan syrup(a traditional Persian medicine product) every 12 hours for one week and the placebo group received 7.5 cc of placebo syrup. Serum levels of white blood cells (WBCs), C - reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine, lymphocyte, and clinical outcomes were measured before the beginning of the intervention and on day 7. Results: Kelofan syrup enhanced the white blood cell and reduced creatinine and LDH in the syrup group. However, serum levels of WBC, lymphocyte, CRP, LDH, and creatinine(P > 0.05) in the kelofan group at the end of the study did not significantly change than in the placebo group. Also, clinical outcomes such as fever, respiratory rate, saturated oxygen, cough, dyspnea, myalgia, duration of hospitalization, and fatigue did not change significantly from in the placebo group. Conclusion: our findings indicate that kelofan syrup for seven days could not alter biochemical and clinical outcomes than in the placebo group in patients with COVID-19. However, in some clinical symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, weakness, and biochemical factors like WBC, Cr, and LDH, a significant change was observed at the end of hospitalization in the intervention group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antique traditional medical theories created by old medical doctrines and their historical background have been significantly mentioned today by medical historian scholars. Persia and India had many interactions in different perspectives, such as knowledge, religion, and traditions. One of the most considerable aspects of the relationship between Indians and Persians is the transmission of basic theories of their medical doctrines. As it is reported in many historical texts from the first ages of the Islamic era in Iran, a large number of medical texts were gathered from contiguous civilizations in Iran by order of the Abbasid Caliph. They were then translated into Arabic, Syriac, and Persian. So, Persian physicians and authors used them that way. One of the earlier physicians who reflected the viewpoints of Indian medicine in his famous medical textbook entitled “Paradise of Wisdom” is Ali ibn Sahl Rabban al-Tabari (3rd century A.H./9th century A.D.). Persian physicians in the Islamic golden age (8th to 16th A.D.) played an astonishing role in the development of medical knowledge in several aspects through physician innovations and expression and evaluation of different ideas about medicine. In this regard, some of the Indian medical theories were expressed by a famous Persian physician, Ali ibn Sahl Rabban alTabari. Ali ibn Sahl Rabban al-Tabari was a Persian physician of the 3rd century A.H./9th century A.D. He wrote the book Firdous al-Hikmah (or Paradise of Wisdom), the first encyclopedia of Islamic medicine in Iran. The book introduces and describes the basics and therapeutic procedures adopted in Indian medicine, along with procedures of Persian and Greek medical doctrines, by discussing the basic medical theories in these three doctrines. In this paper, we discuss the reflection of traditional Indian medicine as described in Firdous al-Hikmah and its influence on later medical texts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Pain is an unpleasant experience that serves as a survival mechanism and is mediated via the central and peripheral nervous systems. Manna of hedysarum, also called Persian Manna or Taranjebin, is known to have medical properties in Persian traditional medicine. OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of the current paper is to determine the possible antinociceptive effect of Manna of hedysarum as well as the neurotransmitter systems involved, in mice. METHODS: The first experiment was designed to reveal the effective dose of Manna of hedysarum. Adult male albino mice were injected with Manna of Hedysarum (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) Ethanolic Extract (MHEE) or morphine (5 mg/kg). In experiment 2, MHEE (400 mg/kg), naloxone (2 mg/kg), and MHEE (400 mg/kg) plus naloxone (2 mg/kg) were injected. Experiments 3-5 were similar to experiment 2, except that naloxone was replaced with L-NG-Nitro Arginine Methyl Ester (10 mg/kg), cimetidine (12.5 mg/kg), and cyproheptadine (4 mg/kg). Then the formalin test was performed, and the paw licking time was measured. RESULTS: Based on the findings, MHEE reduced the pain response in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). The co-injections of MHEE with mentioned antagonists significantly decreased the antinociceptive effect of MHEE on the licking and biting time of the injected paw (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that MHEE has an antinociceptive effect in mice and possibly acts onopioidergic, nitrergic, histaminergic and serotonergic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cassia fistula was used traditionally as laxative in pregnant women. Nevertheless, its fetal and maternal effects in pregnancy have not been studied yet. Methods: Oral (Lethal Dose, 50%) LD50 was determined in mice. In addition, a control group, pregnant rats in other 5 experimental groups (n=12) received orally C. fistula aqueous extract (500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg), tween80 (10%) and distilled water during pregnancy up to the delivery (21-23 days). Some serum indices were evaluated in maternal blood samples after delivery. Histopathologic and histomorphometric evaluations were performed on the selected slices of newborn rats. Results: Anthraquinone content of the aqueous extract was 0.34% w/w. Oral LD50 was obtained more than 5000mg/kg. No abortions and newborn anomalies were observed in groups. The height and weight of the offspring were significantly reduced by the administration of 500, and 2000 mg/kg of extract compared to control. There was no significant change in maternal blood urea and creatinine. Higher concentration (2000mg/kg) led to ALT elevation. ALS levels decreased dose-dependency in treatment groups comparing to control. Histopathological findings showed significant lung vascular congestion, and hypertrophy of heart in group tween80, and significant hepatic parenchymal inflammation in tween80 and 2000mg/kg and 1000mg/kg groups. In all tissues of all groups, malpighian body area and bowman's capsule space significantly increased compared to the control group. Conclusion: It seems C. fistula extract is safe in pregnancy. Because of confounding role of tween80 in histopathological finding, more research is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Nutrition is one of the most important factors today in prevention and maintaining health, as well as in treatment of diseases. Despite many efforts, the challenges related to nutrition are becoming more and more common every day. Persian medicine is one of the oldest medical approaches in the world, and nutrition has a special and fundamental place in this medical thought. So much so, that a large portion of Persian medicine is related to nutrition. Individualized nutrition in Persian medicine based on temperament (Mizaj) is well in correspondence today with the topic of nutrigenomics or nutrigenetic, or epigenetic, and strongly proposes a unique model of nutrition in a strategic way. This study focuses to describe the importance of nutrition based on individualized temperament from the perspective of Persian medicine and the findings of modern one. Materials and Methods: This study is a narrative literature review using keywords including Persian medicine, Traditional Persian medicine, temperament (Mizaj), nutrition, individualized nutrition, individualized medicine, precision nutrition, functional food, bioactive food, nutrigenomics, nutrigenetic, epigenetic, and TEF, in Persian and English were used to explore related articles in databases such as Pub Med and also using Google Scholar, without any time constraints. Extracted articles were carefully studied. Also, Persian medicine books and conventional medicine ones were studied. The relevant content were collected, reviewed and the results were written in the form of individualized nutrition, based on temperament. Findings: According to the principles of Persian medicine, the temperament of every healthy person is based on a balanced and specific range. Maintaining this range and its balance is cornerstone to a healthy person. On the other hand, and from view point of Persian medicine, all foods and drinks have their own temperament too. A review of modern scientific sources also shows that these topics have been considered by common medical science and in these sources, topics such as individualized nutrition and individualized medicine along with topics such as nutrigenomics, epigenetic, and nutrigenetic have been addressed. Also, the discussion about the quality of the effect of foods on the body of people, which has been presented in the form of functional food, is in accordance with the statements of Persian medical scholars about possession of different temperaments for foods. Conclusion: Findings of this article strongly suggests that, what current medicine emphasizes today on individualized nutrition that is essential to promote human health, which is known in the traditional Persian medicine, as personal temperament. Thus combination of traditional Persian medicine recommendations (in the form of holistic medicine), and modern medical science recommendations (in the form of analytic medicine), is essential to accelerate developments in the medical sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burn wound is one of the most common injuries worldwide. However, its management still remains a health concern and research is ongoing for more efficient therapies. Persian medicine has described different methods in this regard. Previous reviews have mostly focused on the herbal-based therapies for burn management. Hence, the current study aimed to review both non-herbal and herbal-based therapies used in Persian medicine for their burn healing properties, and to compare them with new evidence.Method: The most important texts of Persian medicine were reviewed for burn wound classification, managements and treatment approaches. Moreover, herbal, minerals, and animal-based products claimed to possess burn wound healing activity, were extracted. In the next step, digital databases were searched to find new supporting data for the extracted-traditional remedies and their healing mechanisms.Results: More than one hundred traditional medicinal herbs, minerals, and animal-based products have been recommended to treat burn wound in Persian medicine among them, the healing effect of thirty-five herbs and eight non-herbal treatments (mineral and animal-based compounds) were supported by new evidence. Otherwise, there was not new evidence reporting the healing effect of seventy-three herbs and sixteen non-herbal compounds extracted from Persian Medicine literature.Conclusion: Although some managements of burn wounds in Persian medicine have been confirmed by new evidence, the efficacy of a plenty of materials needs to be methodically evaluated. Hence, it could introduce new clues for future research.

Traditional medicine is a comprehensive term for ancient, culture-bound health care practices that existed before the use of science in health matters and has been used for centuries. Medicinal plants are used to treat patients with cardiovascular diseases, which may occur due to ailments of the heart and blood vessels and comprise heart attacks, cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, and heart failure. Hypertension causes difficulty in the functioning of the heart and is involved in atherosclerosis, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke. Many drugs are available for managing these diseases, though common antihypertensive drugs are generally accompanied by many side effects. Medicinal herbs have several active substances with pharmacological and prophylactic properties that can be used in the treatment of hypertension. This review presents an overview of some medicinal plants that have been shown to have hypotensive or antihypertensive properties.

A 19-year-old girl with documented nickel-induced allergic contact dermatitis was referred to the department of traditional Persian medicine five weeks after the sudden onset of bolus and erythematous skin rash to receive treatment based on complementary and alternative medicine. A detailed history of jewelry exposures, lifestyle, food intake, and dietary habits was obtained, as well as the history of other physicians’ visits and administered treatments within the past eight weeks. Despite receiving treatment with corticosteroids, anti-histamines, and antibiotics, no satisfactory remission was achieved, and the patient discontinued the treatments. As the alternative medicine approach, treatment was started based on avoiding contact with nickel, administration of Manna of Alhagi persarum and Portulaca oleracea seeds, and avoidance of consuming tomato sauce, cocoa, coffee, and bitter chocolate. Within six weeks, a complete remission of the skin lesions and symptoms occurred. Moreover, normal clinical follow-up was observed after 12 months. Notably, the CARE (CAse REport) guidelines were used in the preparation of this case report.

Fritillaria imperialis L. (Fabaceae), commonly known as "Laleh vazhgon", ethnomedicinally utilized in Iranian traditional medicine to treat joint pain, chronic daily headaches, and back pain. To investigate the antinociceptive, anti-neuropathic, and anti-migraine activities of Fritillaria imperialis bulbs essential oil (FIEO) as well as to uncover the potential mechanisms of action involved. The antinociceptive activity of FIEO and its main constituent, Verticinone (Vt), was assessed using the formalin-induced paw licking assay. The potential mechanisms of antinociception were investigated through various antagonists. Additionally, their antineuropathic activity was examined using the cervical spinal cord contusion (CCS) technique and the possible role of Stat3 was evaluated using Western blot analysis. The nitroglycerin-induced model (NTG) was also employed for the evaluation of migraine. FIEO demonstrated significant antinociceptive activity in both phases of the formalin-induced test. However, the FIEO activity was more pronounced effect observed in the second phase. Modulators of the NO-cGMP-K+ channel pathway significantly reversed the antinociceptive activity of FIEO (P < 0.05). Additionally, antagonists of TRPV1, PPARα, dopamine D1, GABA A , and δ-opioid receptors also significantly reversed the antinociceptive effects of FIEO (P < 0.05). In a separate study, both FIEO and Vt were found to attenuate hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia (P < 0.01) when evaluated using the CCS-induced pain model. Furthermore, FIEO may alleviate migraine behaviors, likely related to the regulation of NO and CGRP levels. FIEO exerts an antineuropathic effect through the phosphorylation of Stat3. Furthermore, the antinociceptive activity is partially modulated via the NO-cGMP-K+ channel pathway, as well as the activation of TRPV, PPAR, opioid, and GABA receptors. Vt may be involved in the antinociceptive, antineuropathic, and antimigraine activities induced by FIEO. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In traditional Persian medicine (TPM), people often use herbal infusions as a dosage form to treat diseases related to hyperglycemia, known as 'dam-kardeh'. Traditionally, herbal preparations of Eryngium bungei Boiss. (E. b), Tragopogon buphthalmoides (DC.) Boiss. (T. b), Salvia hydrangea DC. ex Benth. (S. h), and Juniperus polycarpos K. Koch. (J. p) are used to manage diabetes in Iran. However, there is no evidence of their effectiveness in controlling glucose levels and their mechanisms remain unclear. Aim of the study: This study aimed to investigate whether traditional doses of plant infusions can have hypoglycemic and/or anti-hyperglycemic effects during fasting and/or postprandial states and establish the basis for future research on their potential mechanisms of action. The effects of traditional doses of herbal extracts on blood glucose levels in STZ-NA-induced hyperglycemic rats were investigated in 2-h acute tests during fasting and postprandial states (with a glucose load). In addition, the potential inhibitory effect in vitro of enzymes involved in relevant pathways, such as gluconeogenesis (fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, FBPase and glucose-6-phosphatase, G6Pase), carbohydrate breakdown (intestinal α-glucosidases), and insulin sensitivity (protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, PTP-1B) was evaluated. Acute toxicity tests were carried out and HPLC-SQ-TOF was used to analyze the chemical profiles of the plant extracts. In the fasting state, T. b, S. h , and E. b were as effective as glibenclamide in lowering blood glucose levels in hyperglycemic rats. Moreover, all three suppressed G6Pase and FBPase enzymatic activity by 90–97% and 80–91%, respectively. On the other hand, significant postprandial hypoglycemic efficacy was observed for E. b , S. h , and T. b. Based on the AUC values, T. b caused a reduction comparable to the therapeutic efficacy of repaglinide. When investigating the possible mechanisms of action involved in this activity, E. b , S. h , and T. b showed significant inhibition of PTP-1B in vitro (>70%). Finally, all plant extracts showed no signs of acute toxicity. Several compounds that may contribute to biological activities were identified, including phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosides. The present study supports the traditional use of T. b , E. b and S. h for the control of diabetes in the fasting and postprandial state. Moreover, these plants were found to be rich in bioactive compounds with hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activities. On the other hand, J. p , showed a modest effect only in the fasting state and after 90 min. Further studies are needed to expand these results by analyzing the chemical composition and using complementary experimental models. [Display omitted] • Eryngium bungei , Tragopogon buphthalmoides , and Salvia hydrangea regulated blood glucose levels in hyperglycemic rats. • All extracts showed no signs of acute toxicity. • The extracts suppressed the enzymatic activity of G6Pase, FBPase, and PTP-1B in vitro as possible mechanisms of action. • Phenolic acid and flavonoid glycosides were identified by HPLC-SQ-TOF as the major compounds in three extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediculosis is a growing social problem in both developed and undeveloped countries. Resistance to chemical treatments and toxicity of insecticidal compounds are reasons why alternative medications should be proposed for this parasitic infestation. This study attempted to investigate traditional anti-lice treatments, and draw together scientific insights into lice management through the study of Persian Medicine manuscripts. Lice infestation formulations were searched in seven traditional textbooks (al-Manṣuri fi al-ṭibb, al-Qanun fi al-ṭibb, Kamil al-ṣina‘ah al-ṭibbiyah, Qarabadin Kabir, Qarabadin Salehi, Makhzan al-Adviyeh, Eksir Azam) pertaining to one millennium period, from the 9th to 19th century. Twenty multi-component medications were selected for the study of ingredients and their active compounds. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched to find pediculicidal or insecticidal evidence. In vitro studies and clinical trials reporting anti-lice and/or insecticidal activities were summarized. Formulations had four kinds of base (oil, vinegar, alcohol, or water). Oils act through occluding the respiratory spiracles of lice. Vinegar loosens the attachment between nits and hair shaft, improving the removal of nits from hair. Essential oil- and tannin-containing plants made up the majority of anti-lice components in the current study. Seventeen out of twenty-seven medicinal plants were reported to have pediculicidal and/or insecticidal activity. Considering the results, further investigation leads to the designing new treatments against pediculosis.

Abu Reyhan Biruni (973-1048 CE) was a Persian polymath in medieval era. He had more than 100 books and treatises on different subjects like astronomy, culture, history, mathematics and pharmacy. In medical sciences, he was one of the first persons who introduced pharmacy as a separated field from medicine. He was pioneer to define pharmacy and pharmacist similar to current definitions. It was one of the earliest definitions of pharmacy. Biruni can be introduced as a pharmacist, nor physician. He also had a book on pharmacy, Al-Saydana fi al-Tibb (Pharmacy in Medicine). This book is one of the most important works on pharmacy in medieval era. He clarifies the role of pharmacists to serve pharmaceutical services to the patients. It shows the importance of pharmacy as an independent field of medical sciences in Persia and Islamic civilization about a thousand years ago.

To develop and validate “Treatment Satisfaction with Traditional Medicines” Questionnaire (TSTMQ), a preliminary 22-item instrument was designed. Content validity ratio (CVR), content validity index (CVI), Intra-class correlation (ICC), and Cronbach alpha were measured, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA) were conducted. Data were analyzed using SPSS (17) and LISREL softwares (8.8). Finally, TSTMQ with 14 items and in three domains were confirmed after measuring CVR (> 0.62), CVI (> 0.79) and EFA. ICC for the entire questionnaire was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.95-0.99) (P