Traditional Iranian Research Articles

Benefits derived from WASP (a Grasshopper plugin) to Design for Disassembly Principles in the Built Environment

Abstract Design for Disassembly (DfD, henceforth) is a way to improve the effectiveness of the disassembly process in built environments, and it mainly contains ten principles. Examples of the principles include deconstruction techniques; selected materials; reachable connections; utilizing connections with fewer bolts, screws, and nails; the straightforwardness of the structure and design; and versatility. On the other hand, the WASP plugin for Grasshopper (on Rhinocheros©) is a toolkit for discrete computational design to simulate the aggregation and assembly possibilities in the building system. This paper explores the integration of the WASP plugin within the context of DfD through three criteria: the aggregation processes of part geometries, connection locations, and their orientation toward the building elements. Design with discrete elements, which can be defined as shape grammars for building structure, is the primary approach for the joining behavior and detaching behavior of elements discussed in this paper. Also, this type of component-based design can optimize the geometry and data-driven generation of the structure. The design process in this way can be disassembly sequence planning and knowledge-based design by applying the design constraints. To illustrate the integration, research is conducted through WASP simulation in designing a traditional Iranian timber pavilion-inspired structure with a 3×3m footprint in a roof structure. The fusion of WASP and DfD represents a promising avenue for advancing circular design principles and achieving more sustainable, resource-efficient buildings. It is concluded from this study that WASP makes the aggregation simulation and assembly possibilities of the vertical and horizontal components in a building more accessible.

Herbal Remedies for Pediatric Earache in Traditional Iranian Medicine

Herbal Remedies for Pediatric Earache in Traditional Iranian Medicine

A Review of the Most Important Medicinal Plants for Reducing Dental Plaque in Traditional Iranian Medicine

A Review of the Most Important Medicinal Plants for Reducing Dental Plaque in Traditional Iranian Medicine

Investigating the Effects of Music and Temperature Changes on Heart Function and Human Error

Introduction: Exposure to music and temperature variations can influence physiological state and impact human error. This study aims to investigate the combined and independent effects of music and temperature changes on heart rate (HR) and human error.
 Materials and Methods: This interventional study was conducted on 14 participants (7 men and 7 women) under controlled conditions in 2018. The subjects experienced four types of music (Rock, Rap, Pop, and Iranian traditional music) at the noise pressure level of 75 dB, along with temperatures of 20, 25, and 30 °C independently and in combination, within an acoustic room with controlled temperature conditions. HR and human error rate were measured using a HR meter and a researcher-made text with spelling mistakes, respectively.
 Results: Using SPSS 19, data analysis revealed that exposure to traditional Iranian and rock music in temperatures deviating by 5 °C from 25 °C was associated with increased errors in detecting spelling mistakes (p < 0.05). Interestingly, traditional and rock music did not significantly affect HR across temperatures of 20, 25, and 30 °C (p > 0.05).
 Conclusion: Listening to traditional Iranian and rock music in conditions with approximately 5 °C cooler or warmer than room temperature can have a positive and constructive effect on HR and reduce human error. The use of this type of music has potential implications for optimizing environmental conditions, especially in workplaces where such factors are critical.

Effect of Depression on Infertility in Traditional Iranian Medicine

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Theoretical framework of the Isfahani style: Inspiring sustainable aspects of a vernacular urban development

The Isfahani style represents a method of traditional Iranian architecture and urban development that existed in the early 20th century and is regarded as a leading model in most traditional Iranian cities. It exhibits several vigorous features contributing to its recognition as a traditional approach to sustainable architecture and urban development. This research endeavors to reveal a theoretical framework beneath these inspiring aspects using the typology of sustainable modern forms, including the hierarchy, passive design strategies, compactness, density, diversity, mixed land use, pluralism, balance, good composition, and integration over time. To this end, the study employs qualitative research methods, drawing from traditional samples, to identify innovative, energy and socially efficient, and low-impact strategies implemented in this vernacular architecture of Iran's semi-arid and hot climates. The findings revealed that the neighborhood concept as a local and plural community (Mahalla) was a vital phenomenon in Iran's urban development. Apparently, the demise of this paradigm effectively played an important role in the numerous challenges regarding the social, energy, and economic viability of modern Iranian cities. Hence, this study presented theoretical frameworks—aligned with sustainable concepts—from the Isfahani style through its analysis, classification, and interpretation, which can contribute to modern urban development.

Ethnomedicinal minerals and geological materials used by traditional Iranian Turkic healers

Ethnic knowledge and traditional medicine of the Iranian Turkic people are a significant source of ancient wisdom and treatments for various diseases based on natural resources. This study aimed to preserve their cultural heritage, to act as a foundation for developing contemporary pharmaceuticals and to promote sustainable development. Moreover, these medications are very natural, inexpensive, low-risk, and have few adverse effects. Twelve highly experienced and influential traditional healers from twelve villages were studied. The research was conducted in Azerbaijani Turkish from March to May 2019 using purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews. The interviews included training, maladies treated, treatment techniques, preparation methods, and drug administration methods. Additionally, multiple treatment sessions were observed. A field study was also carried out to identify and document the location of, and process for accessing, minerals around the villages. The results were analyzed using the quantitative informant consensus factor and Use Value (UV) indices. A total of 22 distinct categories of mineral elements and nine main disease categories treated with these elements were identified. Kerosene had the highest consumption value ([Formula: see text]) and was the most significant and extensively utilized medicinal mineral. All consensus values were higher than 0.84, indicating high consensus among therapists regarding the treatment of diseases in these areas. Topical applications dominated, and the category of skin diseases had the highest percentage of treatments with medicinal minerals.

Survey on Medicinal Plants and Herbs in Traditional Iranian Medicine with Anti-oxidant, Anti-viral, Anti-microbial, and Anti-inflammation Properties

Abstract: The review aims to summarize the major and dominant natural antioxidants and their resources from medicinal and herbal plants with antiviral, anti-inflammation and antimicrobial activities. For this review manuscript, online databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct, were searched for papers published from 1960 to November, 2021. Search terms consisted of “medicinal plants”, “traditional Iranian medicine”, “traditional Persian medicine”, “pharmaceutical properties”, “antioxidant activity”, “antiviral activity”, “anti-inflammation”, “antimicrobial” and “antibacterial activities”. (-)-Epicatechin, Caffeic acid, Gallic acid, Hydroxytyrosol, Kaempferol, and Resveratrol are some of the most important chemical compounds with antioxidant properties. Rosmarinic acid, Caffeic acid, Carnosol, P-Coumaric acid, Carnosic acid, Luteolin, Apigenin, and Kaempferol are the major chemical compounds with antiviral properties. Curcumin, Colchicine, Resveratrol, Capsaicin, (-)-Epigallocatechin, Quercetin, Myristicin, and Elmicin are the principal chemical compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Isoeugenol, Coumarin, Piperonal, Scoparone, Spathulenol, D-Limonene, and Myrcene are the principal chemical compounds with antibacterial properties in traditional Iranian medicine. Persian traditional medicine, or Iranian traditional medicine, is one of the main ancient forms of traditional medicine, which has influenced knowledge regarding other medicinal plants in various countries. It has also been considered one of the most well-known traditional and holistic systems of medicine.

Revitalization and Optimization of a Traditional Iranian Architectural Pattern on Transformable Skins Using Kinetic Angulated Systems

Architects and designers have employed angulated structures for kinetic architectural design due to their formal esthetics, geometry, and light weight. The arrangement of these structures within a regular repetitive (modular) layout forms a kinetic skin. Geometric patterns are repeated in angulated structures based on particular orders as happens in girih patterns in Iranian historical architecture. This similarity forms the base of this study. Given the importance of revitalizing these motifs due to the gap between the modern and traditional architecture and their modernization using up-to-date technologies, the authors propose a process for implementing these patterns on generated lattice structures. This study is organized into two parts to achieve the mentioned goals: in the first part, the effect of changing parameters on the ultimate form of lattice structure is evaluated. In the second part, changes are applied to the structural form according to the patterns through two strategies (i.e., implementing the pattern of girih components on the central opening of the structure and implementing the form of girih components on structural elements), focused on the Islamic girih patterns and the importance of their implementation on the structure. The outcome of this study is kinetic skins containing forms dominantly shapes of Iranian patterns repeated regularly throughout the structure; it represents the beauty and identity of the traditional Iranian architecture and can adapt to changing conditions according to the purposes of sustainable architecture. Finally, a designed structure is modeled and analyzed using the Ansys software in order to investigate the constructability of a full-scale structure and evaluate it under loads in the climate of Tabriz; the results of the analysis indicate that the structure can withstand loads applied in the climate of Tabriz with a thickness of more than 3 mm.

How Geometrical Decorations of Vaulted Ceilings in Traditional Iranian Houses Depict the Concept of Human Chakras: A Case Study of Traditional Houses of Kashan, Iran

How Geometrical Decorations of Vaulted Ceilings in Traditional Iranian Houses Depict the Concept of Human Chakras: A Case Study of Traditional Houses of Kashan, Iran

Zerdüştîlik ve İşrâkîlikte İnsân-ı Kâmil Örneği: Keyhüsrev

Innovations and creations in fields such as religion, thought, art, literature, music, wisdom, gnosism and philosophy are the common products of the human civilization epic. Almost all these creations are the result of chained and cumulative efforts based on the common heritage of humanity throughout history. Again, every thinker has established and grounded his system of thought by interpreting, renewing, updating and adding to the legacy of previous thinkers. As a matter of fact, each successor set out with the power and inspiration he received from his predecessor, deepened and grounded the legacy of previous civilizations with his criticisms and contributions, or changed his route and qiblah. In this respect, it can be said that every wise humanity is a "sparrow on the back of an elephant", which consists of the huge accumulation of the civilization epic. The metaphysical fire of love, which never goes out in the depths of man, has led him to reach peaks, to produce superhuman mythologies, to create mythical characters, to assume divine qualities, to create perfect human or human-idols and prophetic characters who imitate God and it led him to attempt to establish a luminous realm, the city of the sun, the holy harem, the ideal place, the madina al-fazila or the city of God on this cold and dark earth. When the history of Iran is examined religiously and intellectually, it is seen that Iran has a deep-rooted and very ancient tradition formed thanks to this metaphysical love of people. It is understood that this deep-rooted tradition preserves its existence even under major crises and shocks, and does not lose the traditional Iranian theme despite all interruptions and disconnections. Traditional Iranian wisdom has accomplished this by changing shirts, renewing and updating in every change and transformation, but always nurturing the Iranian traditional spirit and preserving its main codes. As a matter of fact, Iran transferred the Greek philosophy spread by the world conqueror Alexander to Hellenism, the harsh Mongolian shahs to the Sufis, the God-centered strong Semitic tradition to the human-centered Arya tradition, the Semitic prophets to the mythical Iranian shahs, Zal to Ali, Husayn to Rostam, Turan wars to Karbala literature and in the final analysis, converted Islam to Shi'ism and turned it into an Islamic-i-Iranian based on its own existence. The subject of this article is Kayhosrow, an example of perfect human in the ancient Iranian mythical and religious tradition. The central position of Kayhosrow, who is considered to be the most important of the Iranian mythical prophet-kings who have hurrah, expressed as divine charisma, magnificent light and magical nature, has been traced throughout the study, especially in the texts of Zoroastrianism and Illuminationism (Ishraqiyyah). In this study, the phenomenological method was followed and the characteristic features of Kayhosrow, who constituted the ideal perfect human portrait of both religious and intellectual schools, were revealed. The aim of the study is to capture the timeless spirit of eternal wisdom (al-hikmah al-halidiyah), primordial yeast (al-hamirah al-ezeliyah), transcendent wisdom (al-hikmah al-mutaliyah) and unchanging truth by drawing attention to the qualities of Kayhosrow, who is considered the most important example of a perfect person in Zoroastrianism and Illuminationism. At the end of the study, it was concluded that Kayhosrow, thanks to his divine charisma (hurrah), was a prophet-king who combined both material world management and spiritual sovereignty, a perfect human being who carried the Nur-i Mumammedi, an ideal ruler who set an example for the rulers of all times. With this study, in addition to Kayhosrow’s life full of adventures such as what he experienced before his birth, what happened to him after his birth, the way he was brought up, the way he came to the rulership, and the right-minded and successful world management, his chose to go into isolation, especially when he was at the peak of power and power, and ascended to the sky and disappeared from the eyes with ascension, have been shed light on the fact that Kayhosrow have become one of the most attractive and extraordinary characters in history, showing the mortal man the way to immortality.

Study and Analysis of the Social Flourishing Index from the Social Security Concept in the Body of Traditional Iranian Bazaars

The sense of security is one of the necessities of urban life durability and is prominent in the context of traditional bazaars in Iran, which is traceable in correspondence with some indexes such as social integration, acceptance, justice, and finally, flourishing. Regarding the advent of a certain level of such a sense in the Kermanshah traditional bazaar, especially in terms of social flourishing, the main objective of this research is studying how it has provided a physical context affecting the sense of security with the mediatorship of social flourishing index. While exploring the sense of security and analysing the role of its associated physical factors in most of the researches has been specialized in Urbanism, it is subjected in this study within the architectural scale. Thus, this qualitative research has been performed by a descriptive-analytical method mixing two types of case study and grounded theory with a blended (social-physical) approach. The research has led to the features like spatial openness and deliberate complexity, functional diversity and legibility, and physical behavioral flexibility, as the main physical characteristics affecting the social flourishing and thus the sense of security which can be identified in the body of traditional bazaars and recreated in the contemporary regional architectural works. Therefore, the effectiveness of the relation between the physical features of collective spaces and their security can be measured by considering the index of social flourishing. This experience has been concentrated in this research concerning the Kermanshah traditional bazaar and concluded to use in future designs.

Comparison of Chinese Acupressure with Traditional Iranian Medicine Along with Aerobic Exercise on Weight Loss and Serum Lipid Factors in Obese and Overweight Women

Background: Overweightness and obesity were major health problems in the last century. Chinese acupressure, traditional Iranian medicine, and aerobic exercise are low-risk and low-cost methods for its prevention and treatment. Objectives: The purpose of this study was a comparison of six weeks of Chinese acupressure with traditional Iranian medicine along with aerobic exercise on body weight and serum lipid factors in obese and overweight women. Methods: In this applied study, 24 obese and overweight women with a BMI above 25 were randomly divided into two groups of 12: Chinese acupressure and Iranian traditional medicine with aerobic exercise. In the Chinese acupressure group, the ear acupressure method was used using herbal seed and in the traditional Iranian medicine group, the lunch elimination method was used. The aerobic exercise program of the two groups was performed for six weeks, three sessions per week, and each session lasted 60 minutes with moderate intensity. Body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, lipid factors, blood sugar, blood pressure, and nutritional status of the subjects were measured before and after the study and were analyzed using independent and dependent t-tests. Results: The results of the present study showed that in the Chinese acupressure group, along with aerobic exercise, lipid factors improved, and body weight decreased. In the traditional Iranian medicine group, along with aerobic exercise, lipid factors improved, while blood pressure and blood sugar decreased significantly. In the intergroup results, there was a significant difference only in the blood sugar variable. Conclusions: Both Iranian and Chinese medicine, along with aerobic exercise, had a relatively similar effect on the variables.

A Review of the Therapeutic Effects of Viola Odorata Plant in Traditional Iranian Medicine and Modern Medicine

Objective: Viola odorata has been used since ancient times. According to Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM) sources, it has a cool and moist temperament and is used for treatment of different diseases. Due to the low side effects and numerous beneficial effects of this plant, this study aims to review its therapeutic effects from the perspective of TIM and modern medicine. Methods: In this review study, a search was conducted for the materials in many TIM books such as Canon of Medicine, Tuhfat al-Momenin, al-Jami’ li-Mufradat al-Adwiya wa’l-Aghdhiya, Al-shamel fi al-Sanaat Al-Tabiat, Makhzan al-Adawiyah, Firdaws al-Hikmah fi al-Tibb, Al-Hawi fi al-Tibb, Khulasat al-Hikmah, as well as the book “PDR for Herbal Medicines”, and for the related studies in online databases such as PubMed and Scopus using the keywords sweet violet, common viola, garden violet, herbal medicine, traditional Iranian medicine. Results: The medicinal forms of Viola odorata in TIM are various and are used for skin, digestive, respiratory, and urinary system diseases. Numerous studies have confirmed the various therapeutic effects of the plant. According to studies in modern medicine, its constituents include volatile oils, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, mucilage, gallates, phenols, vitamin C, coumarin, and Sitosterol. Conclusion: Studies in modern medicine have proven the traditional uses of Viola odorata. However, due to the strong potential of this plant for making various medicinal products from it, more research is needed.

Ensuring Privacy in Traditional Iranian Houses with Time Space in Entrance

Ensuring Privacy in Traditional Iranian Houses with Time Space in Entrance

Effect of Pectin on Anti-diabetic and Anti-oxidant Properties of Fermented Milk by Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Traditional Iranian Dairy Products

Effect of Pectin on Anti-diabetic and Anti-oxidant Properties of Fermented Milk by Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Traditional Iranian Dairy Products

Evaluating and Identifying Climatic Design Features in Traditional Iranian Architecture for Energy Saving (Case Study of Residential Architecture in Northwest of Iran)

In the last decades, researchers have been considering some fundamental issues such as energy saving, global warming, greenhouse emissions, and non‐renewable energy to make models of house environmental standards to achieve a suitable consumption pattern for saving energy. In architecture, using natural energy is one of the essential pillars of design because it was one of the criteria of designing, which was considered on climate and geography, and it has been a high performance of climate adaptation in the modeling of traditional houses. In this research, Azerbaijan (located in northwestern Iran) is selected to evaluate the practical features of traditional Iranian houses designed in the cold climate, and criteria for developing sensible solutions to achieve a suitable design model for energy saving are provided. The primary purpose of this paper is to evaluate and identify the features of climate design in traditional houses in a cold climate, which are suitable residential buildings for energy management, and to identify the components affecting energy saving. The data collection method is based on checklists, observation, considering the orientation, density, solar radiation angle in the region, documentary, analysis of maps, and adaptation of the architectural plan of the studied houses with the pattern of solar radiation in the area. This research discusses the design criteria for future structures and their adaptable measures based on the obtained results. Finally, it is declared that the traditional architectural design model follows the region’s climatic conditions, and considering the current climate and energies, traditional houses were designed; therefore, the best model for maximum use of available energy is climatic design. As a result, suggestions are made regarding residential architecture design to save energy.

The Space of Intimacy as The Most Important Islamic Cultural Value in Traditional Iranian Architecture

This study aims to carry out a critical reading of individual spaces of traditional Iranian houses. Through recourse to expert opinion, seven traditional houses in Iran have been chosen. A deductive content analysis is used to assess space syntaxes by way of three steps: preparation, organization, and the final report. In the preparation step, the individual and family territory in Iranian culture is defined. In the organization phase, territories are classified by reviewing plans, maps, and making visual observations. Finally, conclusions are reached on the situation of privacy and individuality in the houses. It is suggested that family privacy is the main function of traditional Iranian houses. Despite the fact that spaces could be used as personal and individual territories, in practice this is not so, and individualism and individual values have been forgotten. Individuality is not considered as valuable in the sense of one who needs his/her own territory; rather, this is determined in relation with other people. Keywords: Mahram Territories, Personal Spaces, Space Syntax, Territoriality, Traditional Iranian House

Mineralogical characterization of the traditional geopharmaceutical ithmid by XRF and XRD

Geopharmaceuticals, specifically minerals were used to treat various diseases from antiquity. Ithmid or kohl stone is one of the most-applied geopharmaceuticals in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The usage of ithmid for eye make-up caused many concerns about the possible toxicity and lead poisoning, because the concentration of lead content is usually higher than the international standard limit. The goal of this study was mineralogical investigation of ithmid stones (three samples) from Iran using XRD and XRF. Also, traditional applications of ithmid were extracted and reported. X-ray diffractometer and X-ray fluorescence analysis was used to determine the composition of three samples of ithmid stone from Tehran, Shiraz, and Kerman. The indications suggested for ithmid in Traditional Iranian Medicine were extracted from Makhzan al advieh, Qarabadin Salehi, and Qarabadin Kabir. Major phase of ithmid samples were galena (PbS), and the main element was lead with a high concentration in all three samples. Based on traditional books, ithmid was used for ocular injuries, infectious wounds, and visual disorders. It was proved that ithmid has antimicrobial effects against pathogens involved in ocular infections, but regular application of such products is a potential threat for costumer health. Therefore, regular check-out of kohl products by authorities is necessary to avoid the risk of lead toxicity and resultant health issues.

Effects of Afsantin Plant on Liver Diseases From the Perspective of Three Books of Traditional Iranian Medicine (Kitab Al-Hawi, Qanon, and Zakhirah-i Khwarazm Shahi)

Objective: Recent studies have shown the positive effectiveness of Afsantin plant in treatment of liver diseases. Therefore, it may be possible to find new ways in treatment of liver diseases by examining how to use this plant based on the Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM) Methods: In this qualitative study, by referring to specialized libraries of TIM books in Iran and using various online resources, the terminology of Afsantin plant was first studied based on TIM. After knowing the different names of this plant, they were searched in various medical books, especially the three famous TIM books of Kitab Al-Hawi, Qanun and Zakhirah-i Khwarazm Shahi. Then, different medical prescriptions related to Afsantin were extracted from these books and different applications of this plant in diseases, especially liver diseases, were recorded and coded in Excel software. Then, articles that reported the medicinal applications of Afsantin plant in treatment of liver diseases were searched in online databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, MagIran, Irandoc, IranMedex . The collected data were finally analyzed and compared with the data obtained from the TIM books. Results: Ancient Iranian physicians had described various types of liver disease in their works. The Afsantin plant been used alone or in combination with other substances in three books (Kitab Al-Hawi, Qanon, and Zakhirah-i Khwarazm Shahi) in 179 prescriptions for treatment of different diseases mostly for liver inflammation (23%), jaundice (20%), ascites (19%), and liver disease (18%). The most common form of administration of this plant was oral form (80%) followed by topical form (20%). In combined forms of use, lavender (30.2%), lemongrass (24.6%), anise (17.3%), Chinese rhubarb (17.3%), rose (16.2%), saffron (15.1%), Maghsoul (14.5%) champignon (14%), and Agrimonia eupatoria extract (14%) had been mostly used along with Afsantin to enhance the therapeutic effect of Afsantin or eliminate its negative effects on the body. The examination of modern medicine articles also revealed the sufficient knowledge of the authors of these books about liver diseases. The results of comparison showed that primary liver diseases such as hepatitis and alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases were in the same category as primary diseases and initiators of liver diseases, i.e. bad mazaj, and ascites was equivalent to cirrhosis plus ascites. Conclusion: Considering the frequent use of Afsantin by famous TIM physicians and the consistency of their findings with modern medicine in terms of treating liver diseases, it seems that if the effect of this plant on liver diseases based on TIM be studied more widely and the results of this study be evaluated by the standards of modern medicine, new solutions can be achieved in the treatment of liver diseases.