Rosa × damascena Herrm. and Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari. combination therapy ameliorates cognitive, neurobehavioral and metabolic impairments in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease through restoration of mitochondrial functions, regulation of neurotransmitter balance and attenuation of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.

Euphorbia hebecarpa has been valued in traditional Iranian medicine; however, its carbohydrate composition has remained largely unexplored. The present study aimed to isolate, identify, and investigate selected biological properties of a carbohydrate fraction (EHC-1) from E. hebecarpa. EHC-1 was extracted using hot water extraction, followed by a two-step chromatographic procedure utilizing DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephadex G-200 columns. Partial structural characterization was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography- refractive index (HPLC-RID), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID). In addition, X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the semi-crystalline nature of the polysaccharide, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to evaluate its thermal stability. Compositional analyses identified EHC-1 as a polysaccharide with an average molecular weight of approximately 148 kDa. The relative monosaccharide composition comprised glucose (51.50%), fructose (35.70%), galactose (5.79%), arabinose (5.86%), and galacturonic acid (1.13%), as determined by the corrected peak area method incorporating relative response factors (RRFs). In vitro assays revealed that EHC-1 demonstrated concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, with relatively higher efficacy against hydroxyl radicals (IC50 = 2.43 ± 0.066 mg/mL). Furthermore, EHC-1 showed moderate antibacterial effects against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains, with stronger effects against the latter.

Essential oils and their by-products extracted using distillation methods are a rich and diverse source of natural products with various therapeutic applications. Hymenocrater calycinus (Boiss.) Benth. is used in traditional Iranian medicine as an analgesic, antiallergic, and a remedy for treating cutaneous burns. The present study was conducted for the first time to compare the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of the essential oil and the residual water extract after distillation of H. calycinus from the habitats of Kashan, Iran. The essential oil of this plant was extracted by hydro-distillation using a Clevenger apparatus, and the residual water extract in the Clevenger apparatus flask after separation from the plant waste was concentrated and converted into a dry extract. Chemical profiling of the essential oil was performed using GC-MS. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacity were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu, quercetin equivalence, and DPPH assays, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and extract was determined by the agar diffusion method, and the lowest inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were determined against eleven microorganisms (three Gram-positive bacteria, six Gram-negative bacteria, and one yeast strain). The MTT method was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the essential oil and extract on Human Dermal Fibroblast (HDF) cell lines. The results showed that the yield of H. calycinus essential oil was about 0.68% w/w, and heptacosane (48.06%), citronellol oleate (7.81%), and caryophyllene oxide (5.67%) were the dominant components of this essential oil. The IC50 value of the extract was 85.55 ± 5.31 µg/mL, and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents was 321.42 ± 8.04 and 30.6 ± 2.11 µg/mg, respectively. The results of antimicrobial activity showed that the lowest MIC value of the essential oil was against the Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with a value of 62.5 µg/mL. The results of cytotoxicity confirmed the non-toxicity of the extract at all concentrations and the non-toxicity of the essential oil at a concentration of 25 µg/mL. Therefore, the essential oil, and in particular the extract from Clevenger’s residual water (a waste and by-product), in vitro is a natural, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly option for combating skin infections and hospital-acquired burn complications caused by P. aeruginosa, which is in line with the use of this plant in traditional medicine for wound healing and burn care. Further clinical and in vivo trials are needed.

The history of medicine during the Safavid period (907-1135 AH) in Iran, as one of the important periods, has always been the focus of researchers. The main objective of this study was to conduct a quantitative evaluation of articles related to the “history of medicine in the Safavid period” in Iran. This descriptive-analytical, applied study was conducted using a quantitative approach. The statistical population of the study comprised all scientific productions on the history of medicine in the Safavid period indexed in domestic and international scientific databases over 22 years, from 2001 to March 2024. During the period under review, a total of 247 articles in the field of the history of medicine in the Safavid period were published with the participation of 542 authors. In terms of thematic orientation, 18.2% of the published works were on the biographies of physicians, while research, translation, and editing of medical manuscripts ranked next with 16.1%. Among universities and scientific centers, Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Islamic Azad University ranked first. Male participation accounted for approximately 60%, exceeding that of female authors, and about 68% of the works were the result of collaborative research. The Journal of Islamic and Iranian Traditional Medicine published the highest number of articles. The most common type of publication was original research articles. Content analysis showed that, despite significant growth in this research field, an excessive concentration on specific topics, such as physicians’ biographies, has limited scholarly attention to other dimensions of medical history in this period, highlighting the need for broader and more balanced research perspectives.

Sleep hygiene in Iranian traditional medicine: A narrative review.

Objective(s):Berberis vulgaris (B. vulgaris) L. (Berberidaceae), deeply rooted in Iranian traditional medicine, exhibits significant antidiabetic potential attributed to its berberine content. This plant has been historically used for its glucose-lowering, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This research investigated berberine’s capacity to regenerate pancreatic β-cells in type 1 diabetic rats, specifically examining its dose-dependent effects on metabolic recovery, histopathological restoration, and molecular mechanisms underlying β-cell regeneration. Materials and Methods: Two groups of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats received daily oral berberine (50 and 100 mg/kg) for 60 days. We measured berberine half-life and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet-visible (Uv/Vis) and fluorescence detection (FD). Fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profiles, liver enzymes, insulin, and gastrin were assessed. Pancreatic histopathology (islet damage) and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1) expression were analyzed.Results:Berberine exhibited a 60-min half-life, with blood concentration declining to 0.63 and 0.95 µmol/l within 90 min. Treatment significantly elevated GABA levels (3.0 and 3.8 mg/dl vs diabetic group: 0.44 mg/dl) and reduced FBS by 50% (327 and 296 mg/dl vs diabetic group: 616 mg/dl). Gastrin levels increased to 8.70 and 8.93 pg/ml (vs diabetic group: 5.96 pg/ml). Histopathology revealed reduced islet shrinkage and vacuolization. Pdx1 expression was increased in the treated groups compared with diabetic controls. Conclusion: Berberine from B. vulgaris effectively stimulates pancreatic β-cell regeneration, as evidenced by restored histoarchitecture, up-regulated Pdx1, and sustained glycemic control despite rapid clearance. This validates its traditional antidiabetic use and positions berberine as a promising disease-modifying agent.

Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with current diagnostic methods presenting challenges of invasiveness and accuracy. This study investigates artificial intelligence-powered tongue image analysis as a novel, non-invasive diagnostic tool for coronary artery disease. Drawing on principles from Traditional Iranian Medicine, we analyzed tongue features, including color, fissures, coating, moisture, and red spots, in 906 patients undergoing coronary angiography. A dataset of 12,000 tongue images was used to train artificial intelligence models, which were created using high-resolution images captured with a Visioface device. The Segment-Anything Model facilitated tongue segmentation, while DeepLabv3+/DINOv2 architectures were employed for feature extraction and stenosis classification. Results indicated that artificial intelligence predictions achieved up to 80% accuracy for left circumflex artery stenosis, highlighting tongue color and fissures as significant predictors of this condition. This study presents artificial intelligence-driven tongue analysis as a rapid and cost-effective adjunct for screening coronary artery disease, particularly in resource-limited settings, and warrants further validation in diverse populations.

Background: Antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria has become a global health concern, prompting the search for alternative antimicrobial agents. Native medicinal plants such as Dorema aucheri, Allium rotundum, and Falcaria vulgaris, long used in traditional Iranian medicine, are underexplored despite their potential bioactivity. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antibacterial effects of ethanolic extracts from these plants, collected from Kermanshah Province (Dallahoo mountains), Iran, against five clinically relevant bacterial strains. Methods: Ethanolic extracts of tree native medicinal plants were prepared via percolation and concentrated using rotary evaporation. Antibacterial activity against five standard strains (S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae) was assessed using two complementary in vitro techniques: the well diffusion assay to evaluate inhibition zones, and broth microdilution to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Statistical analyses including Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA were applied to identify significant differences among plant extracts and bacterial responses. Results: D. aucheri exhibited the most potent MIC values against Gram-positive bacteria, particularly E. faecalis (0.46 mg/mL), while A. rotundum demonstrated broad-spectrum activity in the well diffusion assay, effectively inhibiting all five bacteria, including K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. F. vulgaris showed selective activity, most notably against S. aureus (20 mm zone; MIC = 2.87 mg/mL). Notably, E. faecalis was the most susceptible strain overall, with significantly larger inhibition zones across extracts compared to K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study offers novel comparative data on the antibacterial properties of three ethnobotanically significant Iranian plants. The promising activity, especially of extracts from D. aucheri and A. rotundum, underscores the potential of Iran’s phytodiversity in addressing antibiotic resistance. Future studies should further explore regional phytochemical variability and isolate active constituents for therapeutic development.

Fortification of dark chocolate with co-encapsulated saffron extract and caffeine

Scarlet fever, known in Persian as "Tab-e Sorkh," is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. During the Qajar era (1796-1925), it was often deadly and reached pandemic levels in the 19th century. Both traditional Iranian and European medicine described its symptoms, but few comparative studies exist. By analyzing historical Persian texts, European medical reports, and modern literature, this study compares how the disease was understood and treated. Symptoms like rash and fever were widely recognized, and mortality was high before antibiotics. Traditional treatments followed humoral theory, including herbal remedies and bloodletting. Outbreaks peaked in cold months, mostly affecting children aged 5-15 years - a pattern seen in both medical systems. From the 1820s to 1880s, scarlet fever caused global outbreaks, especially in Iran. This research shows how combining historical perspectives can deepen our understanding of infectious diseases and their treatment across time.

Background:Chronic tonsillitis can lead to various complications in childhood. Various treatment methods, including pharmaceutical treatments, surgery, and complementary medicine, have been used to treat it. Iranian traditional medicine has mentioned the effects of black mulberry on tonsillitis. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of black mulberry syrup on tonsil hypertrophy. Methods:This controlled clinical trial study involved 5- to 15-year-old children referred to Bu-Ali Hospital, Sari. First, 76 patients were allocated equally to the intervention or control groups using randomized blocks of four. In a three-week period, the intervention group received black mulberry syrup, whereas the control group received the placebo. Data analysis was done in SPSS Version 20, using Mann–Whitney U and McNemar tests. Results:The study results revealed significant differences between the intervention and control groups regarding the primary outcomes of the intervention, including the size of the tonsils, oral breathing during sleep, nocturnal snoring, and hypernasal speech (P=0.001). The intervention group showed significant improvement in these symptoms compared to the control group. Conclusion:The findings of this study suggest that black mulberry syrup effectively alleviated tonsillitis symptoms in the intervention group compared to the control group. In addition, no side effects or drug complications were reported in any study participants.

A Review of the Most Important Medicinal Plants Effective for Male Infertility Based on the Teachings of Iranian Traditional Medicine

In Iranian traditional medicine, numerous medicinal plants are utilized to treat a variety of women’s health issues, including vaginitis, owing to their antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This review was conducted on credible sources and traditional Iranian medicine texts, as well as information on medicinal plants from Iran, to explore medicinal plants introduced for the treatment of vaginitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of these plants in the treatment of vaginitis and compare them to modern therapeutic approaches. Key medicinal plants included Allium sativum L., Pistacia atlantica Desf., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Cocos nucifera L., Aloe barbadensis Mill., Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench, Artemisia absinthium L., Calendula officinalis L., Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., Berberis vulgaris L., Hypericum perforatum L., Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume, Salvia officinalis L., Thymus vulgaris L., Origanum vulgare L., Melissa officinalis L., Hyssopus officinalis L., Mentha piperita L., Ziziphora tenuior (L.) Boiss., Punica granatum L., Althaea officinalis L., Myrtus communis L., Antifungal and antibacterial (53), Strong disinfectant (54), Olea europaea L., Nigella sativa L., Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, Curcuma longa L., Zingiber officinale Roscoe are also used in Iranian traditional medicine for treating vaginitis. These plants not only help alleviate symptoms but also contribute to improving the vaginal microbial environment and enhancing immune system function.

Health promotion through lifestyle is at the heart of modern preventive medicine. Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM), with its centuries-old wisdom, offers a culturally grounded model for achieving well-being. This review explores ITM’s approach to lifestyle through Setteh-e-Zaruriyyeh—six essential principles of health—and their relevance to modern challenges. By integrating concepts like Mizaj (temperament) and reviewing clinical studies, we show how ITM aligns with contemporary strategies. The paper concludes with suggestions for integrating ITM into public health frameworks.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by hepatic steatosis unrelated to significant alcohol consumption, represents a growing global health concern closely associated with metabolic syndrome. Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM) recognizes this condition as a diet-related disorder and offers numerous herbal interventions. This study identifies the most frequently documented medicinal plants in TIM for NAFLD management. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of classical TIM texts alongside systematic searches in modern scientific databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, SID, Magiran, and ISC. Search terms encompassed both Persian and English keywords related to medicinal plants, NAFLD, therapeutic efficacy, and safety profiles. Results: The investigation identified 37 medicinal plants commonly utilized in TIM for NAFLD treatment. Prominent species include Silybum marianum, Taraxacum officinale, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, and Glycyrrhiza glabra. These plants demonstrate multiple pharmacological mechanisms including lipid metabolism regulation, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory effects through their diverse bioactive constituents. Conclusion: Traditional Iranian Medicine offers a substantial repertoire of medicinal plants with potential therapeutic value for NAFLD. The documented plants show promising mechanisms of action that warrant further pharmacological investigation and clinical validation for evidence-based application in modern hepatology.

ABSTRACTBackgroundZiziphus vulgaris L. and Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze are medicinal plants widely used in various ethnomedical systems, particularly in Iranian Traditional Medicine, for the treatment of various diseases.ObjectivesWhile their biological activities are well‐documented, their effectiveness against Varroa destructor, a significant ectoparasite of Apis mellifera (honeybees), remains unknown. As V. destructor poses a serious threat to honeybee populations globally, it is crucial for researchers to explore novel control methods.MethodsIn this study, we evaluated the anti‐Varroa activity of Z. vulgaris and C. sinensis at different concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 µL/L air) and exposure times (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 h).ResultsThe results showed that mite mortality increased in parallel with the increase in extract concentration and exposure time. Importantly, the plant extracts did not cause significant mortality in A. mellifera compared to the control group.ConclusionsIn conclusion, our findings suggest that these plant extracts could be effective agents for managing V. destructor.

This review delves into the pharmacological properties of verticinone, an isosteroidal alkaloid derived from Fritillaria imperialis L., a plant renowned for its substantial ethno-medicinal significance in Iranian traditional medicine. Verticinone has attracted considerable interest due to its promising anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Research demonstrates that it influences various biological pathways, particularly those involved in apoptosis and cell cycle regulation, effectively inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells and inducing apoptosis through caspase-mediated pathways. In addition to its anticancer properties, verticinone exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing pro-inflammatory mediators and modulating critical signaling pathways, including nuclear factor kappa-B and mitogen-activated protein kinase. Its analgesic capabilities have been validated in murine models, where it successfully alleviated pain without leading to physical dependence, making it a safer alternative to conventional analgesics. Moreover, verticinone shows potential as both an antitussive and expectorant, facilitating mucus clearance and diminishing cough reflexes through both central and peripheral mechanisms. Preliminary investigations also indicate its possible hypoglycemic effects and therapeutic efficacy against Toxoplasma gondii, underscoring its versatility in various therapeutic contexts. Despite these encouraging findings, further clinical trials must confirm its safety and effectiveness in human populations. Overall, verticinone marks a significant advancement in pharmacological research, with the potential to inform new treatment strategies for conditions related to inflammation and cancer.

The use of medicinal plants as an alternative to synthetic drugs is increasing due to their accessibility and safety. In Iranian traditional medicine, myrtle (Myrtus communis) is widely recommended for treating kidney diseases, but scientific evidence supporting this claim is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of myrtle syrup (M. syrup) on proteinuria in patients with type 2 diabetes. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 62 subjects aged 18-75 years with type 2 diabetes. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either M. syrup (10 cc) twice daily or a placebo syrup for 24 days. Enzyme-based commercial kits were used to measure serum levels of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and protein in both serum and urine. 24-hour urine volume was also measured. Data analysis was performed using likelihood ratio chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at P0.05. The results showed that M. syrup significantly improved proteinuria compared with the placebo group (P0.001). The mean change in urine protein was a decrease of 129 units in the intervention group and an increase of 16.5 units in the placebo group. However, no significant effects were observed on FBS, HbA1c, BUN, urine volume, serum creatinine, and urine creatinine. The potential mechanism of action for M. syrup in reducing proteinuria may be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. M. syrup supplementation may be an effective adjunct therapy for proteinuria in patients with type 2 diabetes. Hence, this should be emphasized in this regard.

Background: Persian Gulf pearls, a valuable natural resource, have long held a prominent place in traditional Iranian medicine.The aim of the present study is to investigate the therapeutic applications of Persian Gulf pearls in traditional Iranian medicine and to uncover its novel medical uses. Materials and Methods:The present descriptive-analytical study was conducted using library. Results:The findings show that pearls are classified based on their physical characteristics: color, size and shape, as well as factors affecting their quality.Specific methods for their maintenance and use have also been documented.Persian Gulf pearls have been used to treat a wide range of conditions, including eye disorders, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, oral and dental issues, skin ailments and as an antidote to various toxins.The results of this research show that pearls possess a considerable potential for further research in modern medicine. Conclusion:Investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of pearls, along with clinical evaluation, can pave the way for the development of natural and effective treatments.However, comprehensive clinical studies are essential to scientifically validate these traditional claims.

Saffron and its active constituents ameliorate hypercholesterolemia by inhibiting PCSK9 and modulating Sortilin, LDLR, and SREBP-2 signaling in high fat diet induced hypercholesterolemic C57BL/6 mice.