Iranian Herbal Medicine Research Articles

The Mechanism of Action of Cotoneaster Manna, an Iranian Herbal Medicine, in the Treatment of Neonatal Jaundice

Background: Neonatal jaundice is a common clinical problem caused by the deposition of bilirubin in the tissue. Natural products have long been used to treat jaundice, and Iranian medicine can be a good source of natural treatments for this purpose. In this study, we investigate the mechanism of the effect of Cotoneaster, an Iranian herbal medicine, in the treatment of jaundice in neonates.
 Methods: We investigated every article that evaluated Purgative manna, Cotoneaster manna, or Cotoneaster in the treatment of neonatal jaundice. We searched the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, SciELO, CNKI, and Google Scholar for English articles, and a search was also done in Persian in Magiran and Scientific Information Database (SID) published until August 2023.
 Results: The exact mechanism of Cotoneaster in reducing jaundice is not known, but the following mechanisms have been suggested. The most common mechanisms include increased urination, increased bile excretion from the liver, and increased defecation, as well as neutralizing the effects of oxidative agents and free radicals.
 Conclusion: Considering that most studies have stated that Cotoneaster combined with phototherapy is effective in treating jaundice and herbal medicines alone cannot treat jaundice. Therefore, identifying the mechanism of Cotoneaster in reducing jaundice can lead to the creation of methods to strengthen its effect. More detailed biochemical and pharmacological studies are needed to understand the mechanism of action of Cotoneaster in reducing neonatal jaundice.

Aqueous extract of Achillea millefolium significantly affects mesenchymal stem cell renewal and differentiation in a dose dependent manner.

Achillea millefolium is an Iranian herbal medicine with various effects on the human cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the aqueous extract of Achillea millefolium (AEAM) on the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In this study, bone marrow-MSCs (BM-MSCs) were obtained from Wister rat bone morrow and then cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium /Nutrient Ham's Mixture F-12 (DMEM/F12) media. Then, the isolated MSCs were cultured in either osteocyte or adipocyte differentiation media containing 0.2 or 2 mg/mL AEAM and assessed using specific staining method. The isolated BM-MSCs exhibited fibroblast-like morphology and were positive for CD73, and CD90, while negative for CD34 and CD45. AEAM significantly increased self-renewal of BM-MSCs at low dose (0.2 mg/ml, P= 0.001) and increased the pool stem cells in both osteocyte and adipocyte differentiation media. AEAM at low doses may be used in cases where there is a need for large number of stem cells, via increased numbers of MSCs, and help tissue repair and immunomodulation.

Phytochemical Classification of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Kidney Disease Based on Traditional Persian Medicine.

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.

Prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use by Iranian infertile women: A multi-center cross-sectional study

ObjectivesIt has been speculated that infertile women use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) frequently in addition to conventional therapy. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use by Iranian infertile women. DesignThis multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted in four public and private referral infertility clinics located in different metropolitan areas of Iran including Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan and Shiraz from August to December 2019. Any infertile woman attending an infertility clinic was checked for eligibility and 282 infertile women were selected by convenience sampling. A self-structured questionnaire consisted of three parts of demographic, infertility-related and CAM-related data was administered. This was completed on a self-report basis. SPSS-IBM 25 was used for data analysis using descriptive statistical methods and Logistic regression models. ResultsThe mean number of different CAM methods used was 2.95 ± 1.88. Also, 49.61% of women used CAM at least once for infertility in the last year. CAM use included Iranian traditional medicine (ITM), Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other CAM methods. The most commonly used method and mode of CAM were ITM (95. 4%) and Iranian herbal medicine (70.2%), respectively. Most of participants (61. 3%) did not disclose their use of CAM to the physicians. The majority of participants (72. 7%) received recommendations from family and friends for CAM use. ConclusionsCAM use was prevalent among Iranian infertile women and ITM as well as herbal medicines were the most common. Therefore, it is required that a coherent plan be developed to integrate CAM use into the allopathic medicine.

Relief of dysmenorrhea – A review of different types of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments

Dysmenorrhea is a medical term that describes the word “Menstrual pain”, Occurs during the menstruation cycle and normally stays for 2–3 days. It is divided into two main categories; Primary dysmenorrhea and Secondary dysmenorrhea. According to medical research study, about 30%-70% of women of reproductive age are suffering from menstrual cramps. It is a common gynaecological problem that affects more than half of the population of women, of which approximately 10–20% of women are disabled for 1–3 days of each menstruation and it is caused by the uterus prostaglandin production, well known for causing abdominal cramps. There are many Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesic Prostaglandin blockers medicines that work by preventing the synthesis of prostaglandins. In this review, we will discuss thirty-four Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and five analgesic combinations of drugs. By using these Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, menstrual pain can be relieved for a while. The purpose of this review is to study different types of drugs and methods through which menstrual pain can be relieved and it also includes deliberation of some herbal drugs like Achillea millefolium. It is an Iranian herbal medicine that has long been used to relieve menstruation discomfort.

Havachoobe (Onosma dichroanthum Boiss) Root Extract Decreases the Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen Secretion in the PLC/PRF/5 Cell Line

Background: Many efforts are currently focused on functional treatment of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This can be done by suppressing the secretion of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). Scientific communities are very interested in natural products in that respect. Objective: Use of root extract of Havachoobe (Onosma dichroanthum BoissI), a Northern Iranian native medical herb, for assessment of its anti-HBsAg secretion activity. Methods: Havachoobe had been bought at a nearby apothecary store. Plant root extract was obtained using a hydroalcoholic process. Cytotoxic activity of the extract was examined on PLC/PRF/5 cells using MTT assay. ELISA has been used to measure HBsAg in the treated cell line supernatants. In addition, real-time PCR analysis was performed to evaluate the expression of HBsAg before and after treatment of Onosma in vitro. Results: The results showed very low root extract cytotoxicity at concentrations under 8 μg/mL. Tissue culture infectious dose 50 was obtained at 63.78 μg/mL. In a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner, a significantly reduced HBsAg secretion was observed at a concentration of 8 ppm at 12 h post-treatment. The real-time PCR result showed relative decreased HBsAg expression at all doses at 12 h post-treatment time. Discussion: In this study, we first reported anti-HBsAg activity on an Iranian herbal medicine. Havachoobe root extract was shown to be able to inhibit HBsAg in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. We find the extract exerts its inhibitory effect of HBsAg by targeting transcription of HBsAg.

A review of the most important medicinal herbs affecting giardiasis

Infection due to the protozoa giardia is one of the most common parasitic infections in the world. Millions of people across the world acquire this infection each year. The most common clinical symptoms of giardiasis include abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea, indigestion, epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, and oily feces with bad smell. Drugs used for giardiasis lead to certain side effects, such as unpleasant taste in the mouth, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, headache and leukopenia. Considering the importance of giardiasis infection, it is essential to identify anti-parasitic herbal drugs to eliminate cystic and trophozoite types of this disease. Hence, this article is aimed to report the medicinal plants that are used in Iranian traditional medicine against giardiasis. The information in this review study was obtained from scientific articles indexed in databases such as ISI, PubMed, Scopus, SID, Magiran and Google Scholar that were retrieved using the search terms giardia, protozoa, herbs, extracts and essential oils. Medicinal plants such as Lavandula stoechas, Ferula assa-foetida, Tanacetum parthenium, Allium paradoxum, Chenopodium botrys, Carum copticum, Allium sativum, Artemisia annua, Allium ascalonicum, ZizIphora clinopodioides, Zataria multiflorahad, Eucalyptus globulus, Lippia beriandievi, Punica granatum are among the most important herbs used in Iranian herbal medicine as anti-giardiasis agents. These herbs are good candidates to produce natural and effective drugs for giardia.

The Importance of Using ZOUSH Ointment in Burn Wound infection Treatments

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacteria which is one of the most important bacterial infection. As incidence of MDR and XDR strains were reported and antibiotic resistant is a global issue we research about new drug. Materials and methods: Data about Iranian herbal medicine were obtained by searching databases. In this research we study about 50 papers of different databases. Result: The result of our study indicated that ZOUSH ointment which is include herbal medicine such as Satureja Khuzestaniea, Zataria Multiflora, Mentha Mozaffariani Jamzad can use for controlling burn wound infections. Conclusion: ZOUSH ointment will been used as a common ointment for healing burn wound infections.

Suppression of Proinflamatroy cytokine gene expression with Aqueous Extract of Berberin

Based on knowledge from traditional Iranian herbal medicine, this ex vitro study aims to examine the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Berberis vulgaris L by measuring the expression and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), and interleukine-18 (IL-6), IL-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in THP-1. The effects were assessed by measuring the levels of secretory proteins and mRNA of TNF-α and IL-6, the levels of nitric oxide (NO) secretion and the expression of iNOS in THP-1 cells. Cells were treated with 20 ng lipopolysaccharide/ml (LPS) in the presence and absence of concentrations of extracts from the Berberis vulgaris L. During the entire experimental period, we used extract concentrations (0.3 μg/mL) that had no cytotoxic effects, as measured with MTT, MTT and LDH assays. Berberis vulgaris extracts remarkably suppressed the LPS-induced NO release, significantly attenuated the LPS-induced transcription of iNOS and inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the expression and release of TNF-α. significant effects were observed on the release of IL-6. Taken together, these results suggest that Berberis vulgaris probably exerts anti-inflammatory effects through the suppression of TNF-α and iNOS expressions.

Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of ethanolic extract of pomegranate peels, juice and seeds

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is extensively cultivated in Middle East especially in Iran. For centuries, this fruit has been used in Iranian herbal medicine. Pomegranate peel, seed and juice contain considerable amounts of phenolic compounds and have antioxidant activity. Pomegranate peels, juice and seeds from three regions of Natanz, Shahreza, and Doorak were obtained. Antioxidant activity, total phenolic, flavonoids, and flavonols contents of pomegranate peels, seeds and juices extracts were analyzed. The β-carotene bleaching test and Folin–Ciocalteu method were applied in this study. The pomegranate peel extract showed high levels of antioxidant activity in comparison to seeds and juices. Doorak peel by 58% had the highest antioxidant activity among two other peels. Total phenolics, flavonoids, and flavonols contents of pomegranate peel were evaluated much more higher than seeds and juices. The significant positive correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenolics was reported. According to achieved results, high antioxidant capacity of pomegranate especially peel, had shed light to use them as natural food preservatives.

The effectiveness and safety of Iranian herbal medicines for treatment of premenstrual syndrome: A systematic review.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of the most common problems among women of reproductive age. The popularity of complementary/alternative therapies has grown in recent years, and these treatments have been more commonly used by women (48.9%) than men (37.8%). The aim of this systematic review was to assess effectiveness and safety of Iranian herbal medicines for treatment of premenstrual syndrome. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched along with SID, Magiran and Irandoc up to Dec 2017.Inclusion criteria consist of Iranian, published, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using Iranian herbal medicine for treatment of reproductive age women with PMS. Eventually Eighteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Overall, studies have shown that Vitex agnuscastus, Hypericum perforatum,Matricaria chamomilla, saffron, Curcumin, Melissa officinalis, Zataria multiflora,Wheat Germ Extract, Echinophora platyloba, Foeniculum vulgare, Valerian root extract,Citrus sinensis, Zingiber officinale and Flax seed might alleviate symptoms of PMS. This research demonstrated efficacy and safety of Iranian herbal medicines in alleviating PMS. Therefore, herbal medicine can be regarded as an alternative treatment for women suffering from PMS.

The effect of tablet containing Boswellia serrata and Melisa officinalis extract on older adults' memory: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMemory deficits and age-related memory loss are currently two significant concerns in older adults. In Iranian herbal medicine, there are some prescriptions for memory improvement. ObjectiveThis study was designed to investigate the effect of tablet containing Boswellia serrata (BS) extract and Mellisa officinalis (MO) extract on memory of the older adults. MethodThis is a randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that performed among 70 older adults who referred to healthcare centers of Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either tablets (n = 35) or placebo (n = 35) for a month (n = 30). Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R). Data were analyzed using Chi-square, independent-samples t-tests, paired t-test, repeated measure ANOVA, and ANCOVA using SPSS v13. ResultParticipants' baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. The study was completed by 53 participants. However, as the analysis was based on an intention-to treat approach, all 70 older adults were included in the final analysis. Comparison of the two groups with showed that the total scores of the WMS-R and the subscales, including auditory immediate, immediate memory, visual immediate and working memory, were increased after consumption of the containing BS and MO tablets (p < 0.0001). ConclusionThe BS and MO tablet in older adults can be beneficial on improvement of memory. This is still necessary to investigate effects and durability of the tablets on older adults with memory impairments in future studies.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Elaeagnus angustifolia fruit extract on rat paw edema.

The Elaeagnus angustifolia fruit has been traditionally used in Iranian herbal medicine to treat diarrhea and rheumatoid arthritis. In the present study, the effects of E. angustifolia fruit extract on the acute and chronic phases of formalin-induced rat paw edema were examined. The acute and chronic anti-inflammatory effects of E. angustifolia fruit extract were investigated through the subcutaneous injection of 100 μL of formalin (2.5%) into a rat's hind paw. Thirty minutes before the procedure, the experimental groups were treated intraperitoneally with hydroalcoholic fruit extracts of E. angustifolia (concentrations of 100, 300, 700, and 1000 mg/kg); sodium salicylate (SS, 400 mg/kg) and distilled water were used as positive and negative control groups, respectively. Treatment with SS and the fruit extracts were performed daily for 8 days, and the degree of edema was measured by using mercury plethysmometer and digital caliper. In the acute anti-inflammatory study, the extract showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect in a dose-dependent manner. The results of 1000 mg/kg of the extract was significantly different compared with the negative control group (p<0.05) and was comparable to sodium salicylate (p<0.05). Results from the chronic study suggested that E. angustifolia extract significantly reduced paw edema and inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. The results also showed that the measurement by digital caliper and mercury plethysmometer were both reliable and might be applied interchangeably (p<0.01). Phytochemical tests indicated that the hydroalcoholic fruit extract of E. angustifolia was positive for cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins. Based on our findings, the E. angustifolia fruit extract probably has acute and chronic anti-inflammatory activities to support its applications in folk medicine.

Effect of medicinal herbs on primary dysmenorrhoea- a systematic review.

Conventional treatment for primary dysmenorrhoea has a failure rate of 20% to 25% and may be contraindicated or not tolerated by some women. Herbal medicine may be a suitable alternative. To determine the efficacy and safety of Iranian herbal medicine for primary dysmenorrhea when compared with placebo, no treatment, and other treatment. Electronic searches of the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Dysmenorrhoea Group Register of controlled trials, Scopus, Google Scholar, Medline, Pubmed were performed to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The study abstraction and quality assessment of all studies were undertaken following the detailed descriptions of these categories as described in the JADAD Criteria for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. 25 RCTs involving a total of women were included in the review. The review found promising evidence in the form of RCTs for the use of herbal medicine in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea compared with pharmacological treatment. However, the results were limited by methodological flaws. Further rigorous no penetrating placebo-controlled RCTs are warranted. The review found promising evidence supporting the use of herbal medicine for primary dysmenorrhoea; however, results are limited by the poor methodological quality of the included trials.

Structural changes in secretory canals associated with fruit development in Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi Sprague)

Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi Sprague) fruits (Apiaceae) accumulate essential oil in compartments referred to as canals (vittae). T.ammi is one of the most important herbs used in Ayurveda (1). Iranian traditional herbal medicine recommends the use of Ajowan fruits also as digestive stimulant. A high proportion of thymol has been selectively demonstrated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the essential oil of mature Ajowan fruits (2). It has also been reported that different harvest stages affect the number of oil components in Ajowan fruits (3). The present research has focused on the relationship between the secretion process and reproductive development in T.ammi. Flowers and fruits were collected from wild growing plants at 6 ontogenic stages. Samples were fixed with glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide, dehydrated in acetone and embedded in resin. Semithin sections were stained with toluidine blue. Six canals were distinguishable in the ovary wall of the partly open flowers. A single layer of orderly arranged cells reperesented the schizogenous cavity. The cytoplasm of these cells increased in density, and reached the highest level in flowers at full bloom. The immature fruit exhibited the features of the most active secretory phase, i.e., higher amount of the secreted material lining the cavity and maximum width of the canal. The cells underwent post-secretory phase throughout the fruit maturation. They were compressed, with a degenerative protoplasm in dry mature pericarp. Results of the present histological study confirm previous analytical data (3) and recommend the use of immature stage for the best efficiency of Ajowan.

Inhibition of Tumor Necrosis Factor and Nitrosative/Oxidative Stresses by Ziziphora Clinopoides (Kahlioti); A Molecular Mechanism of Protection Against Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition of the intestine with unknown etiology involving multiple immune genetic and environmental factors. The authors were interested in examining the protective effect of Ziziphora clinopoides methanolic extract, an Iranian folk herbal medicine, on inflammatory mediators in experimental colitis. Colitis in NMRI mice was induced by oral administration of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS, 3%). Z. clinopoides was administrated orally at doses of 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg/day for 7 days. The level of lipid peroxidation (LP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol molecules (TTM), antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and nitric oxide (NO) as a marker of nitrosative stress, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) as a mediator of inflammation and apoptosis were measured in the colon homogenate. Treatment by DSS increased bowel LP, NO, and TNF-α while decreasing TAC, SOD, CAT, and TTM. All measured parameters were improved by Z. clinopoides treatment and reached close to normal levels. The present study further supports the role of oxidative/nitrosative stresses and TNF-α in the pathogenesis of colitis and protective effects of this herb. The data are promising for further preclinical studies directed towards understanding mechanism of action and cross-species and cross-model comparisons for potential protective effects.

Chemical composition and insecticidal activity of essential oil from Perovskia abrotanoides (Lamiaceae) against Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Perovskia abrotanoides Karel is a wild growing plant in Iran and has been used in traditional Iranian herbal medicine. The present study was conducted to investigate chemical composition and fumigant toxicity of the essential oil from P. abrotanoides against Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Dry flowering aerial parts of the plant were subjected to hydrodistillation using a modified Clevenger-type apparatus. The composition of the essential oil was analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC mass spectrophotometry. Twenty-four compounds representing 98.8% of total oil were identified. The predominant components in the oil were camphor (28.38%) and 1,8-cineole (23.18%). Fumigant toxicity was tested against 1- to 7-day-old adults of S. oryzae and T. castaneum with five replications at 25 ± 1 °C and 65 ± 5% relative humidity in dark conditions. The mortality was increased with concentrations of 32, 161, 322, 483 and 645 μl/l air and with exposure time from 2 to 15 h. The lowest concentration (32 μl/l air) of the oil induced 100% mortality of S. oryzae and T. castaneum after 15 and 8 h exposure, respectively. The oil at 322 μl/l air caused 100% mortality for S. oryzae and T. castaneum within 13 and 7 h exposure, respectively. At 645 μl/l air, the LT50 values (lethal time for 50% mortality) were 8 and 2.84 h for S. oryzae and T. castaneum, respectively. In the probit analysis, LC50 values (lethal concentration for 50% mortality) showed that T. castaneum (LC50 = 11.39 μl/l) was more susceptible than S. oryzae (LC50 = 18.75 μl/l). The essential oil of P. abrotanoides can play an important role in stored grain protection and reduce the need for the same, and also the risks associated with the use of synthetic insecticides.

Anti-Streptomyces Activity of Myrthus communis and Terminalia chebula, Medicinal Plants of South East Regions of Iran

Streptomyces sp. are mostly soil-inhabitants and several species are responsible for important diseases in plants, S. scabies causal agent of Common Scab disease of potato and human S. somaliensis causal agent of Mycetoma. Methanolic extracts of leaves of Myrthus communis and seeds of Terminalia chebula, which had documented uses in Iranian herbal-medicine, were tested for anti-Streptomyces activity against S. scabies. For bioassays, concentration of 50 mg mL-1 of methanolic extracts prepared in dimethyl sulfoxide: methanol (v/v, 1/1) and tested in well diffusion method. Inhibitory zones (IZ) in contrast to controls were measured five days after inoculation at 29°C. Both plants showed high biological activity against S. scabies. Future goals include bioassays on human and further plant pathogenic Streptomycetes.

Abortifacient effect of Prangos ferulacia on pregnant rats

Purpose Prangos ferulacea grows in southern Iran and used in Iranian herbal medicine for gastrointestinal disorders, but it seems it has an abortifacient effect on pregnant women. To verify its potential as an abortifacient agent, we administered the leaves of this plant to pregnant rats. Material and Methods Hydroalcoholic and aqueous extract of the leaves was administered orally at different doses to 60 rats on the first 18 days of pregnancy. Group 1 (G1) was considered as control group and was given only water. Groups 2–5 (G2–G5) received 25, 50, 100 mg/g per day and Groups 6–8 (G6–G8) received 300, 500 and 1000 mg/g per day, respectively. On Day 18 of pregnancy, they were killed and laparotomized. The uterine horns of each group were opened to see whether they contained any live and degenerated/dead fetuses. We used Student's t-test to analyze the data (p≤.05 was considered significant). Results Of the total 504 fetuses in the studied groups, 13 fetuses (2.57%) were aborted. The abortion rate in the control group was 2 (1.94%) of 103 fetuses; the abortion rate was higher in the treated groups but not statistically significant. There was no relationship between the dose and type of extract and abortion rate in all studied groups. Conclusion This study shows that the aqueous or hydroalcoholic extract of P. ferulacea is ineffective on the rate of abortion of pregnant rats. Future studies should be performed with higher doses to test the efficacy of this agent on other animals.

Analgesic activity of the methanolic extract and total alkaloids of Glaucium paucilobum

The species of Glaucium have been used in Iranian herbal medicine as laxative, hypnotic, narcotic, and antidiabetic agents and also in the treatment of dermatitis. The analgesic activity of the aerial parts of Glaucium Freyn (Papaveraceae), a native plant of Iran, were studied using formalin, hot plate, and writhing tests in rodents. The methanolic extract and total alkaloids of Glaucium paucilobum caused graded inhibition of both phases of formalin-induced pain. In the hot plate test, i.p. administration of G. paucilobum extract at the doses of 50-90 mg/kg and total alkaloids at the dose of 10-60 mg/kg significantly raised the pain threshold at an observation time of 30 min in comparison with control (p < 0.001). In the writhing test, the extract at the doses of 30-90 mg/kg and total alkaloids at the doses of 10-60 mg/kg produced a significant decrease in the number of writhings in comparison with the control group (p < 0.001). The methanolic extract and total alkaloids of G. paucilobum, at antinociceptive doses, did not affect the motor coordination of animals when assessed in the rotarod model. The results showed that analgesic activity of this plant may be related partly to the alkaloids.