Persian Medicine Research Articles

Spinacia Oleracea: Exploring the Therapeutic Potential in Persian Medicine and Modern Pharmacology.

Spinach is a widely cultivated dark leafy vegetable highly regarded for its medicinal properties in traditional Persian medicine. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, carotenoids, and other bioactive compounds, and this review aims to explore the historical applications of spinach in Persian medicine and juxtapose them with current scientific evidence. Despite its historical significance, there remains a need to comprehensively evaluate and integrate traditional knowledge with modern research on the therapeutic benefits of spinach. To achieve this, a comprehensive search was conducted in Persian medicine references and scientific databases to gather information on the traditional uses, chemical composition, and pharmacological effects of spinach. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were meticulously categorized, and relevant data were analyzed to draw insightful comparisons. Persian medicine describes spinach as a nutrient-rich, laxative, and fast-digesting agent with therapeutic effects on inflammation, lung diseases, back pain, sore throats, jaundice, urinary disorders, joint pain, eye inflammation, insomnia, dementia, and more. Modern studies have substantially corroborated these traditional uses, revealing that spinach possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, blood sugar-lowering, lipid-lowering, anti-obesity, neurological, ocular, and musculoskeletal effects. Spinach exhibits a wide range of beneficial effects on various health conditions. Its widespread availability, low cost, and exceptional nutritional richness position it as a promising candidate for further investigation. Future studies should explore the clinical effectiveness of spinach in various diseases, while taking into consideration the principles emphasized in Persian medicine to guide research and inform therapeutic strategies.

Practical Dietary Recommendations of Persian Medicine for Pruritus: A Brief Review

This paper is a brief review of the practical dietary recommendations of Persian Medicine (PM) in the management of itching. According to our findings, PM scholars believe that the following dietary modifications help ameliorate pruritus: relative reduction of food intake, consuming tenuous foods, consumption of sweet-and-sour foods, whether natural (e.g., pomegranate juice) or man-made (e.g., oxymels), substances with astringent property, narcotics and quasi-narcotics such as a combination of dry coriander and sugar, using a group of substances called fine-humor-producing foods, laxative fruits such as tamarinds and plums, foods with sedative action including lettuce extract, watery foods containing ingredients such as barley, and increasing the share of healthy fats in the diet.

Effect of Hiwa syrup, a Persian Medicine Product, on Autism Symptoms and in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial

Effect of Hiwa syrup, a Persian Medicine Product, on Autism Symptoms and in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial

Antinociceptive and antineuropathic effects of Trifolium resupinatum L. on formalin-induced nociception and cervical spinal cord hemi-contusion: Underlying Mechanisms

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTrifolium resupinatum L. (Fabaceae), known as Persian clover, ethnomedicinally used in Persian folk medicine to treat peritoneal inflammation, rheumatism, and back pain. Aim of the studyTo investigate the antineuropathic and antinociceptive activities of Trifolium resupinatum leaves essential oil (TREO) in male Wistar rats, as well as to explore the potential mechanisms of action. Materials and methodsThe antinociceptive activity of TREO and its main constituents, quercetin (Qc) was assessed using the formalin-induced paw licking test. Moreover, the potential mechanisms of antinociception were evaluated through various competitive and non-competitive antagonisms. Additionally, the antineuropathic potential was investigated using the cervical spinal cord hemi-contusion (CCS) model, and the role of phosphorylated Stat-3 was analyzed using Western blotting. ResultsTREO exerted significant antinociceptive activity (P < 0.01) in both phases of the formalin-induced test; however, its effects were more pronounced in the second phase. Modulators of the NO-cGMP-K+ channel pathway significantly reversed the antinociceptive activity of TREO (P < 0.05). Additionally, antagonists of TRPV1 and TRPV2, as well as CB1 and GABAA receptors, significantly reversed the antinociceptive effects of TREO (P < 0.05). In another study, both TREO and Qc significantly attenuated hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia (P < 0.01) when evaluated using the CCS-induced nociception model. Notably, TREO also reduced the expression levels of interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-2, and tumor necrosis factor alpha in CCS-induced rats (P < 0.05). ConclusionTREO and Qc exhibit both antinociceptive and anti-neuropathic activities. The antinociceptive effects are partially mediated through the NO-cGMP-K+ channel pathways, along with the activation of TRPV, GABA, and cannabinoid receptors. Furthermore, the anti-neuropathic activity of TREO may be partially regulated through the inhibition of cytokines.

The Virtual Course of Persian and Complementary Medicine of Smart University of Medical Sciences from the Students' Point of View: An Online Survey Study

Persian medicine is an ancient medical school that prioritizes preserving health over treatment. It is a holistic approach that considers genetics, lifestyle, and other factors to find the root cause of a disease. This study investigated the virtual course of Persian and complementary medicine from the perspective of students. We conducted a cross-sectional study. A standard questionnaire was used to collect data from 750 participants. The tool's validity was confirmed based on its content validity, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to estimate the internal consistency of this questionnaire. The questionnaire measured the effectiveness of the virtual education system in various dimensions, and the participants completed it electronically at the end of the course. SPSS 26.0 was used to analyze the collected data. The study used frequency, percentage, and mean to describe data and a desirability score was calculated for each question to evaluate course quality from participants' perspective. The results of the one-sample t-test indicate that the sample mean (57.111) is higher than the population mean (90) (p &lt; 0.01). Based on the independent samples t-test, the mean attitude score of female students towards course is higher than that of male students (p &gt; 0.05). The ANOVA analysis results regarding the mean attitude scores of students towards the course based on their field of study show that the mean attitude scores vary across different fields of study (p &lt; 0.05). The result of present study emphasizes the importance of developing education in Persian medicine in universities to meet the clinical needs of the community and improve health and well-being. This can also promote the status of Persian medicine globally.

The Efficacy of a Traditional Herbal Medicine Compound for Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background: Herbal medicines have recently been incorporated into the treatment algorithm for functional dyspepsia (FD). Persian-FACT, a traditional herbal medicine compound, has been used for centuries in Persian medicine to alleviate dyspeptic symptoms. This compound includes anise, fennel, ajwain, and cumin seeds. Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of Persian-FACT as a therapeutic agent for FD. Methods: We conducted an add-on, single-center, double-arm, parallel-group, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial at the Imam-Reza Clinic, affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Shiraz, Iran, in 2022. Adults aged 18 to 65 years with a confirmed diagnosis of FD, as referred by a gastroenterologist, were included in the study. After block randomization, participants received sachets containing either Persian-FACT or a placebo (oat) to be taken twice daily for two weeks. The severity of dyspepsia, postprandial distress syndrome (PDS), and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) (PPI) was assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and the Rome IV questionnaire every week. Results: Thirty-two patients in the Persian-FACT group and twenty-three in the placebo group completed all visits. According to the results of the GEE analysis, the severity of dyspepsia symptoms in the Persian-FACT group was significantly lower than in the placebo group after the intervention (P-value = 0.019). Patients with EPS showed significant improvement from the first week, and those with PDS showed significant improvement after two weeks in the Persian-FACT group compared to the placebo group (P-value = 0.001 vs. P-value = 0.028). Additionally, constipation, gastroesophageal reflux, postprandial fullness, and bloating were significantly reduced with Persian-FACT. Conclusions: Persian-FACT appears to be effective in improving dyspepsia symptoms.

Assessing the potential fasting and postprandial mechanisms involved in the acute hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic effects of four selected plants from Iran used in traditional Persian medicine

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn 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. Materials and methodsThe 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. ResultsIn 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. ConclusionsThe 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.

Antihistamine and COVID-19 outcomes in outpatients.

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.

Ameliorative Effect of Polypodium vulgare L. Rhizome on Anxiety and Depressive-Like Behaviors in Restraint-Subjected Mice: Involvement of Inflammatory, Oxidative and Apoptotic Pathways

Background: Developing drugs with higher efficacy and fewer side effects for psychological disorders has always been of interest. The rhizome of Polypodium vulgare L. (common polypody) has been used as a mood stabilizer in Persian medicine (PM). Objectives: The present study evaluates the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of the hydroethanolic extract of common polypody rhizome (PEE) and the possible underlying mechanisms in mice subjected to chronic restraint stress (CRS). Methods: Sixty NMRI male mice were exposed to CRS and received either a vehicle, fluoxetine, or PEE (at doses of 250, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg-1). The forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), open-field test (OFT), and elevated-plus maze (EPM) were conducted to evaluate depressive-like and anxiety-like behavior. Oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers, as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), were measured in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HIP). Corticosterone levels were also assessed in serum samples. Results: Polypody rhizome increased the time spent in the central zone of the OFT, as well as the time spent and the number of entries into the open arms of the EPM, while it decreased the immobility time in the FST and TST. Administration of PEE caused a significant decline in serum levels of corticosterone, as well as tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Additionally, it increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the PFC and HIP. Polypody rhizome also significantly restored total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and BDNF expression in the HIP. Moreover, Bcl-2 levels increased in the PFC, and Bax and caspase-3 expressions were downregulated in both regions with PEE administration. Conclusions: Polypody rhizome exerted anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in behavioral tests and reversed CRS-induced oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic alterations.

Innovative Statistical Model Uncover Effective Herbal Medicines Among Personalized Treatment Plans in Persian Medicine: A Small-Scale Study in Type 2 Diabetes.

Objectives: In holistic medicine, developing personalized treatment plans is challenging due to the multitude of possible therapy combinations. This study introduces the use of a statistical approach to identify the most effective herbal medicines prescribed in Persian medicine (PM) in a small-scale sample of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This prospective observational cohort study was conducted with 47 patients with T2DM referred to Behesht Clinic in Tehran, Iran. A physician prescribed individualized PM treatment for T2DM and related systemic issues. The fasting blood sugar (FBS) level of each patient was recorded at initial and two follow-up visits, with visit intervals and treatment modifications determined by patient health status. Patients who completed two follow-up visits were included in the final analysis (n = 27). Data were analyzed using R software. A general linear model was assumed for the mean response, along with an exponential covariance pattern model, to manage irregularly timed measurements. Results: Two fitted models showed that, after adjusting for confounders, the use of the "Diabetes Capsule" significantly reduced the average FBS by 17.14 mmol/L (p = 0.046). For each unit increase in the consumption of "Diabetes Capsule" or "Hab-e-Amber Momiai," the average FBS decreased by 15.22 mmol/L (p = 0.015) and 14.14 mmol/L (p = 0.047), respectively. Conclusion: It is possible to observe which medications are most effective, even when treatments are applied in a holistic and personalized fashion. Preliminary studies such as these may identify promising products for testing in clinical trials conducted under standardized conditions, to inform initial choices for future personalized treatments.

Protective effect of freeze-dried extract of Persicaria bistorta Samp. on acetic acid-induced colitis model in rats: Involvement of nitric oxide and opioid system.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder accompanied by occasional flare-ups, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding.Persicaria bistorta Samp. is a medicinal plant repeatedly mentioned in traditional Persian medicine for the treatment of bleeding and tissue damage in different organs, including the intestines. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of bistort root in an animal model of colitis. Freeze-dried aqueous extract of the plant (PB) was prepared and analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. The anti-inflammatory effect of oral PB (300, 500, and 700mg/kg) was evaluated in acetic acid-induced colitis in Wistar rats compared with negative control and positive control (dexamethasone). The role of nitric oxide (NO), opioid receptors, Toll-like receptors (TLR-4), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, myeloperoxidase, and intestinal tissue damage using immunohistochemistry staining for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were also assessed. A total of 29 compounds were identified in the extract. The gallic acid content of the extractwas 4.973 ± 1.102mg/g. PB significantly ameliorated the gross morphological damage from 4.66 ± 0.577 in negative control to 1.33 ± 0.56 in PB 700 (p < 0.001). Also, PB 700 lowered the levels of TNF-α (p < 0.01), TLR-4 (p < 0.001), NF-κB (p < 0.0001), IL-1β (p < 0.0001), and IL-6 (p < 0.0001) compared to the negative control. Additionally, while blocking NO and opioid pathways, the therapeutic effect of the extract was not significant, compared to the negative control, suggesting that PB 700 has exerted its therapeutic effect via these two pathways. However, further mechanistic and clinical studies are recommended to confirm PB as a natural treatment for colitis.

Quality Assessment of Traditional Persian Medicine Observational Studies.

Although observational studies are valuable sources of scientific evidence, they are prone to bias and confounding. This study aimed to assess the quality of observational studies in Traditional Persian medicine (TPM). A systematic search was conducted in national and international databases up to the end of 2022 to identify observational studies on TPM. The quality of articles was evaluated using the STROBE checklist and CARE guidelines. Out of the 192 articles identified, 109 met the eligible criteria for quality assessment. Cross-sectional and case-control studies had a mean STROBE score of 1.2±0.51 out of 2, with the introduction section scoring highest and the results and methods sections scoring lowest. The worst reported items in the method section involved sensitivity analyses, bias control, and management of missing data. Case reports and case series had a mean score of 1.4±0.55 out of 2, with the section on therapeutic interventions scoring the highest. Other sections like keywords, follow-up and outcomes, diagnostic assessment, patient perspective, and informed consent scored below one. Many reviewed articles did not adhere to the recommended formatting in the evaluation tools, making it challenging to assess their quality. Having said that, the quality of observational studies in the field of TPM is a point of concern.

Evidence-based practice in traditional persian medicine (TPM): a stakeholder and social network analysis

BackgroundThe utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is experiencing a global surge, accompanied by the adoption of national CAM policies in numerous countries. Traditional Persian medicine (TPM) is highly used as CAM in Iran, and the ongoing scientific evaluation of its interventions and the implementation of evidence-based medicine (EBM) encounters various barriers. Therefore, comprehending the characteristics and interactions of stakeholders is pivotal in advancing EBM within TPM policies. In this study, we utilized both classical stakeholder analysis and social network analysis to identify key stakeholders and potential communication patterns, thereby promoting EBM in TPM policy-making.MethodsA cross-sectional nationwide stakeholder analysis was conducted in 2023 using snowball sampling. The interviews were carried out using a customized version of the six building blocks of health. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Stakeholders were assessed based on five factors (power, interest, influence, position, and competency). The connections and structure of the network were analyzed using degree, betweenness, closeness centrality, and modularity index to detect clusters of smaller networks.ResultsAmong twenty-three identified stakeholders, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) and the Public were the most powerful and influential. The Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences was the most competent stakeholder. Social network analysis revealed a low density of connections among stakeholders. Pharmaceutical companies were identified as key connectors in the network, while the Public, supreme governmental bodies, and guilds acted as gatekeepers or brokers. The MOHME and Maraji were found to be high-ranking stakeholders based on four different centrality measures.ConclusionThis study identifies powerful stakeholders in the network and emphasizes the need to engage uninterested yet significant stakeholders. Recommendations include improving competence through education, strengthening international relations, and fostering stronger relationships. Engaging key connectors and gatekeepers is essential for bridging gaps in the network.

Traditional Persian Medicine and Autophagy: Integrating Ancient Health Principles with Modern Cellular Mechanisms

Autophagy, a cellular process responsible for maintaining cellular homeostasis through the degradation and recycling of intracellular components, has a complex relationship with various human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and infections. Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM), with a 10,000-year history, emphasizes health preservation through six essential principles: physical activity, nutrition, sleep, psychological well-being, air quality, and the excretion of body waste. This review examines the intersection of these principles with autophagy, highlighting the potential of TPM in modern health practices. Recent studies have shown that physical activity induces autophagy, aiding in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes. Nutritional management, another key TPM principle, influences autophagy through practices like intermittent fasting, which can improve insulin sensitivity and prolong life. Sleep, critical for bodily functions and waste disposal, affects autophagy, with disruptions linked to conditions like sleep apnea and cardiovascular diseases. Excretion and retention of necessary materials are crucial for health, with autophagy playing a role in managing obesity, renal function, and gastrointestinal health. Clean air is essential for well-being, and studies indicate that air pollution can stimulate autophagy, potentially leading to liver steatosis. Psychological states also significantly impact autophagy, with stress and emotional well-being influencing cellular processes. This review suggests that the non-pharmacologic modulators of autophagy inherent in TPM's six essential principles could precede pharmaceutical interventions due to their simplicity, safety, and affordability. Health authorities are encouraged to consider these principles in policies for disease treatment and health improvement, leveraging the potential of autophagy modulation for better health outcomes.

Persian Medicine Standard Terminology

Persian Medicine (PM) is an ancient and holistic healthcare approach that has been practiced for thousands of years. While PM is often considered to be a traditional or alternative form of medicine, it has a rich history and a wealth of knowledge that can be of great value in contemporary medical practice. It encompasses a wide range of medical practices, including herbal medicine, dietary therapy, manual intervention, and lifestyle modification. Despite its long history and widespread use, there is a lack of standardized terminology in PM, which can lead to confusion and miscommunication among practitioners and patients. The Persian Medicine standard terminology provides a framework for understanding Persian medical concepts and terminology and can serve as a bridge between traditional and modern medicine. Therefore, to systematize the use of Persian medicine standard terminology, a working group was formed in the Persian Medicine Office of the Iranian Ministry of Health. After gathering opinions from experts in Persian medicine and the English language, a set of commonly used words was identified for the project. The first step of the project includes 100 standardized terms which are presented in this paper.

Efficacy of a Persian-Based Method of Needling on Clinical Symptoms of Patients with COVID-19: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

COVID-19 is a pandemic viral infection that has become a challenge for health systems worldwide having no definite antiviral treatment yet. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a Persian-based method of needling (Ghamz with needle) on the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients as a pilot study. We conducted a single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial involving hospitalized adult patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) by rRT-PCR method using a nasal swab. Nineteen patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to receive Ghamz with needle in the intervention group and sham treatment group. The procedure was performed in six points (three bilateral), based on traditional Persian medicine (TPM) texts, compatible with LU5, LU7, and SP6 Chinese points with a duration of 20 minutes, every day, till the patients were discharged from the hospital. The clinical symptoms, laboratory data, and radiological findings were evaluated before and after the interventions in both groups. The results revealed that after comparing the values of the change in the study parameters, despite the significant improvement in the dyspnea (p=0.037) and O2 saturation (p=0.044) of the Ghamz group, no statistically significant difference was observed between Ghamz and sham groups using a visual analog scale (dyspnea: MD: -3.66, 95% CI: -6.49 to 0.84 vs MD: -2.20, 95% CI: -4.60 to 0.20, p= 0.217; O2 saturation: (MD: 2.61, 95% CI: -1.97 to 14.02 vs MD:4.50, 95% CI: -0.49 to 9.49, p=0.163). The radiological findings showed a better improvement in the intervention group than in the sham treatment group. In conclusion, Ghamz with needle in the mentioned points was not effective significantly in relieve the symptoms of the patients with COVID-19. However, further studies with larger samples are recommended.

Bitter Taste in the Treatment of Heart Diseases from Avicenna’s Point of View

The function of bitter taste due to the existence of too much of its receptor on many extra-oral tissues is not only related to the oral cavity, but is effective in many physiological functions. More than ten centuries ago, Avicenna (980–1032 CE), a Persian physician, pointed to the effects and functions of various tastes in the body. In this research, we examined the heart medicines mentioned by Avicenna, relying on their taste, especially the bitter taste. The books used in the case of Persian Medicine included the following: Qanun Fi al-Teb (Canon of Medicine), Manafe-al-Aghzieh va Daf-e-Mazareha and Treatise on Cardiac Drugs. In addition, articles published in English in the last 10 years were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Embase. Vasodilation, inotropic effects, cardio-protection, digital like effect, reducing the accumulation of calcium and nitric oxide in the heart, antioxidant activity, improving heart metabolism and preserving mitochondrial function after MI are some of the cardiovascular effects of Avicenna`s bitter tasting heart medicines, which are also confirmed by clinical evidences in modern investigations. The findings of this research show that the function of bitter-tasting herbal drugs in the body can have beneficial cardiovascular effects, some of which have been proven in studies, and more researches is needed in this field.

The Impact of Tadbir as a Pre-Application Treatment of Medicinal Plants on Their Chemical Profiles and Biological Activities in Traditional Persian Pharmacy

Based on basic traditional medicine practice, many plants undergo primary treatments to improve their pharmacological characteristics or to attenuate unwanted or unfavorable features of drugs before incorporating them into drug formulations. These treatments are called “Tadbir” in Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM). The purpose of these processes includes but is not limited to eliminating unnecessary compounds, excluding harmful properties such as toxicity and poignancy, and improving their overall natural properties and effectiveness. Here, the effect of vinegar and acetic acid treatment on three herbal specimens, including Carum carvi L. fruits (CC), Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague fruits (TA), and Nigella sativa L. seeds (NS) were investigated. The treated and non-treated samples were subjected to essential oil and methanol extraction. Further, to assess the alterations in the essential oil constituents caused by Tadbir, samples were analyzed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and HPTLC fingerprinting techniques. Total phenol and flavonoid content and DPPH free radical scavenging activity of methanol extracts were evaluated. As a result of the treatments, TA extracts showed significant rise in phenol and flavonoid contents. Total phenol content increased from 98.50±1.01 in non-treated increased to 181.20±0.27 mg GAE/g Ext. in the vinegar-treated TA fruit extract and total flavonoid showed a rise from 8.97±1.12 to 12.89±0.41 mg QE/g Ext. This may be the reason behind its lower IC50 values in DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Interestingly, Tadbir treatment of TA fruits with 4% acetic acid, lowered the IC50 value from 1019.42±75.65µg/mL in non-treated control to 274.2±17.22 µg/mL; while vinegar caused a lower degree of reduction in IC50 value (369.4±5.54 µg/mL) in DPPH free radical scavenging assay. However, CC fruit extracts, showed a decrease in phenolic content; while demonstrating an increase in flavonoids. Interestingly, phenol and flavonoid contents were significantly enhanced in treated NS seed extracts. The results of all extracts were found significantly different (p&lt;0,05) from each other and the non-treated control. The conclusive results of the present study may partly justify the pre-application of Tadbir treatments of medicinal plants in traditional pharmacy.

A Review of Cold-Wet Mizaj and Phlegm Dominance Indices in Persian Medicine

Background: Personalized medicine, an emerging approach, considers individual differences to tailor treatments optimally. Persian medicine (PM) incorporates individual differences through Mizāj (temperament). A comprehensive understanding of each Mizaj type's characteristics is essential in designing standardized diagnostic tools. Objectives: This study aims to explore the attributes of one of the most significant Mizaj groups, namely cold-wet Mizaj, and its subtypes, including cold-wet Su-e-Mizaj (dystemperament), as well as phlegm dominance in PM sources. Methods: Persian medicine literature, including the Canon of Medicine, was reviewed for relevant concepts. Reliable scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and MagIran, were searched using keywords such as Mizaj, temperament, Su-e-Mizaj, dystemperament, cold-wet dystemperament, phlegm, and Balgham. The obtained results were studied and categorized. Results: Out of the 196 articles obtained related to Mizaj, 16 investigated indices. No studies were found on the indices of cold-wet Mizaj and phlegm dominance separately. PM sources exhibit high congruence in describing the characteristics of cold-wet Mizaj. Specifically, emphasis is placed on characteristics such as coldness and softness of the skin to the touch, high fat mass, pale and white complexion, excessive body secretions, weakness and slowness of physical and physiological actions, low vitality, timidity, poor memory, and slow-wittedness. In cold-wet dystemperament, symptoms are more severe, and in the presence of phlegm, a feeling of heaviness is also mentioned as a specific symptom. Conclusions: By compiling indices of cold-wet Mizaj/dystemperament and phlegm dominance, this study can contribute to the development of standardized PM questionnaires, facilitating a personalized approach to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Pathology of Nomenclature of Compounded Drugs in Persian Medicine Based on Gharabadin- e- Salehi, Gharabadin-e- Kabeer, and Gharabadin-e-Azam

Pathology of Nomenclature of Compounded Drugs in Persian Medicine Based on Gharabadin- e- Salehi, Gharabadin-e- Kabeer, and Gharabadin-e-Azam