Traditional Medicine Texts Research Articles

Ricinus Communis: Unlocking the Potential of a Medicinal Powerhouse

Background: The Euphorbiaceae family comprises over 7,500 species and 300 gen-era, with the castor bean plant, Ricinus communis, being one of the most valuable traditional and medicinal plants. Phytochemical assessments have shown that R. communis possesses a broad variety of chemical compounds with interesting pharmacological properties. This plant exhibits numerous beneficial properties, including effects against implantation failure, anti-fertility, antinociceptive, anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, antiulcer, insecticidal, molluscicidal and larvicidal, bone regeneration, central analgesic, antihistaminic, antiasthmatic, cytotoxic, lipolytic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing activities. Objective: The review aims to examine the pharmacological properties, phytochemical com-position, and potential applications of Ricinus communis as a plant source. Given its diverse range of phytochemicals and pharmacological activities, R. communis may be a promising option for the discovery of innovative complementary medicines. Methods: This review will involve an extensive analysis of existing literature on Ricinus com-munis. Sources will include peer-reviewed journals, clinical studies, and traditional medicine texts. The focus will be on identifying the pharmacological properties, therapeutic potential, and safety profile of the plant, along with its phytochemical composition. Result: The pharmacological, therapeutic, and safety potential of Ricinus communis and its phytochemicals as herbal and complementary medicine for treating various illnesses and dis-orders require further investigation through advanced clinical and experimental research. Conclusion: This review underscores the need for continued exploration of R. communis to unlock its full potential as a source of innovative medicinal therapies.

Mitigating digestive complications and neutropenia in pediatric leukemia through a Persian medicine product of whole wheat-based dietary intervention: a randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Leukemia is a prevalent cancer that severely affects children, and standard chemotherapy often leads to severe gastrointestinal symptoms and neutropenia. This study aimed to discover alternative treatments to prevent neutropenia in pediatric leukemia patients and minimize chemotherapy-related complications. This randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 52 children between the ages of 3 and 18years who were suffering from acute leukemia and undergoing chemotherapy. The study included a case and control group. A traditional wheat bran product called "Wheat Saviq" was given to the case group with Jollab syrup, while refined wheat flour and a placebo were given to the control group. For 1month, both groups received a daily dose. Symptoms, weight, and blood cell count were measured before and after the trial. After the intervention, the pain, constipation, and bloating scores in the intervention group were lower than in the control group. Furthermore, the intervention group significantly increased white blood cells (WBC) and red blood cells (RBC). These findings suggest that incorporating wheat bran into the diet of pediatric leukemia patients has great potential in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms and enhancing immune function. This randomized trial showed that consuming Wheat "Saviq" and Jollab syrup effectively reduced gastrointestinal symptoms and improved certain laboratory findings in children with leukemia undergoing chemotherapy. Furthermore, the results align with traditional Persian medicine (TPM) texts and further support the potential benefits of wheat bran for digestion and immune system health. IRCT registration number: IRCT20220410054474N1. Registration date: 2022-05-24, 1401/03/03.

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.

The role of Achillea millefolium in traditional medicine: A review of its use in different cultures

Background and aims: The Achillea genus, part of the Asteraceae family, is native to the Northern Hemisphere, from Europe to Asia. These plants thrive in temperate climates and are often found in dry or semi-dry conditions. This research aimed to examine the therapeutic uses of Achillea plants, drawing from traditional medicine texts and laboratory and clinical studies. Methods: This narrative review involved a comprehensive search of major scientific databases to gather information on Achillea and its extracts from native or endemic species within the Achillea genus. The review spanned several decades and utilized sources such as Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Institute for Scientific Information Web of Science, and botanical and local books (1990 - present). Results: Achillea is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of gynecological problems, diabetes control, gastrointestinal disorders, side effects of cancer such as mucositis caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, skin reactions caused by radiotherapy, treatment of prostate cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and human gastric cancer. Conclusion: Considering the role of medicinal herbs in improving the side effects of cancer, treating certain types of cancer, controlling diabetes, and treating gastrointestinal problems, it is recommended to use this plant as a complementary medicine alongside routine treatments.

On the earliest descriptions of the uremic syndrome in medical literature.

Uremic syndrome refers to the clinical manifestations of renal failure (acute or chronic) that results from the accumulation of several endogenous toxins normally excreted by the kidneys and can be fatal unless the primary cause is addressed and the toxins removed by dialysis. A historical description of the syndrome is traditionally believed to start in the 18th - 19th century through seminal works in the field of experimental medicine. This account, however, ignores the possibility of clinical apperception of this syndrome in ancient medical literatures. The Sushruta Samhita (SS), a Sanskrit text whose authorship is attributed to the legendary ancient Indian surgeon Sushruta (6th century BC), is well known for its pioneering descriptions of several surgical procedures, even though its contribution to the fields of internal medicine and especially nephrology is detailed. Prameha, a term that first appears in the SS, and subsequently in later historical Ayurvedic (traditional Indian medicine) texts, denotes a multi-systemic disease syndrome impacting the neurological, cardiac, dermatological, and gastrointestinal systems that is recognized through its intimate association with urinary abnormalities such as hematuria, frothy urine, or glycosuria. This construct is highly consistent with uremic syndrome originating from multiple renal disease processes such as acute glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, etc. Furthermore, medical treatment of prameha, as detailed in the original text, reflects several recently validated approaches to managing chronic kidney disease, supporting the hypothesis that this historical entity may be one of the earliest descriptions of uremic syndrome in medical history.

Effects of Pomegranate, Myrtle, Quercus Fruit, and Rhus coriaria L Extracts on Bleeding Control in Rat

Background: Management of bleeding is among the major issues in medicine, particularly during surgery. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of Pomegranate peel and flower, Myrtle, Quercus fruit, and Rhus coriaria L extracts on bleeding control in rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 32 male Wistar rats (weighing 200 - 250 g, 8-10-month-old) with free access to sufficient water and food, were randomly divided into four groups: (a) the topical application of the extracts on tail wounds (bleeding time (B.T.) measurement); (b) intraperitoneal injection of the extracts (measurement of prothrombin time (P.T.) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) in the blood taken from the heart); (c) control group 1 (B.T. measurement on tail wounds without the topical application of the extracts); and (d) control group 2 (no intraperitoneal injection of the extracts, P.T. and PTT measurement in blood drawn from the heart). The animals in all groups received the same care and were kept under standard laboratory conditions, 12:12 h light/dark cycles, and a temperature of 23 ± 2.0°C. The data were analyzed by the one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests. Results: The mean of B.T. in the control group, 3.57 ± 0.20 s, was significantly higher than that in the intervention group (1.56 ± 0.13 s) (P < 0.001). The mean of P.T. in the control group was not significantly different from that in the intervention group (P = 0.499). The mean of PTT in the control group (18.2 ± 24.82 s) was significantly shorter than that in the intervention group (38.00 ± 14.49 s) (P = 0.006). Conclusions: Considering the acceptable coagulant effects of the extracts of Pomegranate peel & flower, Myrtle, Quercus fruit, and Rhus coriaria L. compared to the control group, it can be concluded that these extracts can be suitable adjuvant drugs for controlling bleeding. Although the coagulant effects of these extracts have been mentioned in many traditional medicine texts, human tests are required to reject or confirm their clinical effects.

Collection of Manuscripts in Oirat in Ulan-Khol khurul of Kalmykia

This article presents a brief overview of the collection of manuscripts in the Oirat language stored in the fund of the Ulan-Khol Temple of the Republic of Kalmykia. The collection under consideration is relatively small (50 manuscripts), but it contains very interesting materials. The manuscripts of the Ulan-Khol Temple were a part of a significant collection of Buddhist writings in Tibetan, Old Mongolian and Oirat in the library of the Shars-Bagut (Northern) Temple, which was located from 1889 to 1939 in the area of Bora, Shars-Bagut aimak located in Erketenevsky ulus. The manuscripts were transferred to the Ulan-Khol Temple by relatives of the clergymen Bodgur Ochirov (1892-1955) and Tsagan Atkhaev (1900-1981). The collection seems to be extremely heterogeneous: it includes fiction literature works, orders, prophecies, ritual texts, prayers, astrological works, texts of divination, weather signs and traditional folk medicine texts. Some collections contain texts in Oirat with Tibetan inclusions as well as ones in Tibetan with Oirat interlinear. The fact proves Kalmyk monks were equally fluent in Tibetan and Oirat. The heterogeneity of the composition of the manuscript collection of the Ulan-Khol khurul indicates that the monks of the Shars-Bagut Temple in their main practice were not only clergymen, but also astrologers, soothsayers, healers. The presented texts are a valuable source for studying traditional religious beliefs, philosophy, ethics, old written Kalmyk literature, astrology and Kalmyk cult rituals.

Detection of Adulteration in Rubia cordifolia – A Chromatographic Approach

According to traditional medicinal texts as well as modern research, Rubia cordifolia (Desi Manjistha) stem cure various diseases of blood, skin diseases, inflammations, kidney stones, fever and various Kapha disorders. However, stems of Rubia cordifolia (Desi Manjistha) are often adulterated with stems of Rubia tinctorum (Irani Manjistha) due to morphological similarity. This adulteration is extremely harmful as R. tinctorum has Lucidin as one of the chemical constituents, which has severe genotoxic effects. The present work focuses on developing a comparative HPTLC fingerprint and GC-MS analysis of R. cordifolia and R. tinctorum, so as to detect the adulteration by R. tinctorum in R. cordifolia raw material form and in formulations. Methanol extracts of the individually powdered stems were used to develop a suitable mobile phase, such that a clear spot was obtained in TLC of R. tinctorum but not in TLC of R. cordifolia using the same mobile phase. This mobile phase was further used to develop a comparative HPTLC fingerprint of the two species. Methanol extracts of R. cordifolia and R. tinctorum were used for investigation of phytoconstituents by GC-MS analysis. The mobile phase n-butanol: ethanol (6:4) was the one which gave a clear single spot at Rf 0.89 in TLC of methanol extract of R. tinctorum but not in TLC of methanol extract of R. cordifolia, at 254nm and 366nm. Further, HPTLC analysis gave results clearly differentiating the two species using the same mobile phase. Further, GC-MS analysis of R. cordioflia revealed the presence of 9 phytoconstituents while R. tinctorum revealed the presence of 6 phytoconstituents, which are different from each other. Thus, these simple yet sophisticated techniques will be very useful for herbal industry in standardization and detection of adulteration of R. tinctorum in R. cordifolia formulations, thereby benefitting the patients who consume Manjistha formulations.

Repurposing of the herbal formulations: molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies to validate the efficacy of phytocompounds against SARS-CoV-2 proteins

Herbal formulations mentioned in traditional medicinal texts were investigated for in silico effect against SARS-COV-2 proteins involved in various functions of a virus such as attachment, entry, replication, transcription, etc. To repurpose and validate polyherbal formulations, molecular docking was performed to study the interactions of more than 150 compounds from various formulations against the SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was performed to evaluate the interaction of top scored ligands with the various receptor proteins. The docking results showed that Liquiritic acid, Liquorice acid, Terchebulin, Glabrolide, Casuarinin, Corilagin, Chebulagic acid, Neochebulinic acid, Daturataturin A, and Taraxerol were effective against SARS-COV-2 proteins with higher binding affinities with different proteins. Results of MD simulations validated the stability of ligands from potent formulations with various receptors of SARS-CoV-2. Binding free energy analysis suggested the favourable interactions of phytocompounds with the recpetors. Besides, in silico comparison of the various formulations determined that Pathyadi kwath, Sanjeevani vati, Yashtimadhu, Tribhuvan Keeratiras, and Septillin were more effective than Samshamni vati, AYUSH-64, and Trikatu. Polyherbal formulations having anti-COVID-19 potential can be used for the treatment with adequate monitoring. New formulations may also be developed for systematic trials based on ranking from these studies. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Evaluation of antiplasmodial properties in 15 selected traditional medicinal plants from India

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antiplasmodial properties against malaria parasite in 15 plants mentioned in Indian traditional medicine texts. MethodsIn vitro antiplasmodial activity of methanolic extracts obtained from Indian traditional medicinal plants was evaluated on Plasmodium falciparum of FCK2 and INDO strains using schizont maturation inhibition assay and parasite lactate dehydrogenase inhibition assay. ResultsMethanolic extracts of Adhatoda zeylanica, Embelia ribes, Piper nigrum and Plumbago zeylanica exhibited more than 50% inhibition in both the stains in schizont maturation inhibition assay. Methanolic extracts of seven medicinal plants exhibited antiplasmodial activity at half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) < 100 µg/mL, and methanolic extracts of five medicinal plants exhibited antiplasmodial activity at IC50 < 50 µg/mL in P. falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH) inhibition assay. A. zeylanica, E. ribes and P. nigrum exhibited promising antiplasmodial activity in PfLDH inhibition assay. A. zeylanica and E. ribes exhibited improved activity against resistant in comparison to sensitive strain. ConclusionA. zeylanica and E. ribes were the most promising extracts from this study and deserve further investigation of their antiplasmodial properties.

Therapeutic Activities and Phytochemistry of Physalis Species Based on Traditional and Modern Medicine

Physalis, the fifth largest genus of the Solanaceae family, consists many species which are used as food and natural remedies. Phytochemical investigations on Physalis species have led to characterization of important secondary metabolites such as withaphysalins, physalins and phytosterols which are responsible for wide range of pharmacological effects such as potent cytotoxic activity against various type of human cancer cell lines, immunomodulatory and cancer chemopreventive effects. Theyare widely used in the indigenous system of medicine for treatment of kidney and urinary disorders, leishmaniasis, inflammations, skin infections and etc. Based on Iranian traditional medicine texts, Physalis is effective for treatment of several disorders such as asthma, liver, kidney and bladder dysfunctions, wounds, hemorrhoids, and helminthic diseases. Based on recent surveys, many of the above properties have not been investigated so far except the for the healing effects on liver dysfunction. This review might be a starting point for the development of the new therapeutic applications and more investigations on Physalis species in the future.

Comparative Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Activities of Tamalakyadi Decoction with Its Modified Dosage Forms

Background and Objective Tamalakyadi decoction (TD) is a classical formulation mentioned in authentic traditional medicine text Sarasankshepaya under nasal diseases and used as a remedy for allergic rhinitis. It consists of 12 plant ingredients. Decoction preparations are widely used in Sri Lankan traditional system and considered effective and safe for treating many disorders. However, decoctions have to be used only in fresh state due to shorter shelf life and loss of stability. This decoction preparation method leads to decreasing the patient compliance and is also time consuming. Hence, the objective of the present study was to convert TD to consumer friendly novel dosage form, namely, freeze dried, spray dried, and traditional ganasara forms. Methodology Therefore, we compared the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of TD with its modified dosage forms. The chemical comparison of four dosage forms comprises phytochemical screening, TLC and HPTLC fingerprint profiles and the antioxidant activities by DPPH free radical scavenging activity, Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total polyphenol content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC). Results Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, phenols, and terpenoids in all dosage forms. However, the saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids were more prominent in TD and freeze dried preparation than the other two preparations. HPTLC fingerprint pattern of freeze dried dosage was more similar with HPTLC fingerprint pattern of TD in terms of number of peaks and their intensity compared to that of spray dried and ganasara dosage forms. Antioxidant activities such as DPPH, FRAP, TPC, and TFC were higher in decoction and freeze dried preparation than in spray dried and ganasara preparation. Conclusion Freeze dried TD is the most suitable ready to use preparation having similar chemical properties and antioxidant activities to TD.

Comparative Study of the Effects of Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla L.) and Cabergoline on Idiopathic Hyperprolactinemia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Chamomile is a fascinating plant quoted in several traditional medicine texts, which has broad-spectrum pharmacological activity and medicinal uses. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of chamomile syrup in reducing serum prolactin in women with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. The study was a randomized, controlled clinical trial that was conducted on 56 women with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia for a study period of four weeks. Patients were randomly enrolled in two parallel arms and were treated by chamomile syrup at a dose of 5 mL twice daily or cabergoline tablet orally at a dose of 0.25 mg twice weekly. Serum prolactin levels were measured at baseline and the end of the 4-week study period. Any report of adverse events was also recorded. Results revealed that within the cabergoline group the reduction in the mean prolactin level was significantly greater than that of the chamomile group (p <0.0001). It was also found that decline in the mean prolactin level was statistically significant within the chamomile group (p <0.0001). Chamomile syrup seems to be effective on serum prolactin reduction in women with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. However, studies with a larger sample size and for a longer follow-up period are recommended.

Cataract etiology and prevention in traditional Persian medicine texts

Context: According to the World Health Organization, cataract is the most common retrievable blind cause in the world. Nowadays, surgery is the only treatment to restore vision in patient with cataract. In regard to the high costs of surgery, prevention has a particular importance. In modern medicine, cataract risk factors are hardly preventable. Aims: Determination of the etiology and preventive solutions of cataract in traditional Persian medicine (TPM). Settings and Design: This is a summative qualitative content analysis that focused on Persian medicine texts in from 4th to 13th AH centuries. Materials and Methods: TPM literature were searched during centuries 4th to 13th AH, by using this key words: “Nuzūl-ul-mā”, “Ā’b murwārīd” and “āb āvardan chishm” or just “Mā,” and Databases (PubMed, PMC, Google Scholar, and Scopus) were searched by: Cataract; risk factor, etiology, prevention and treatment of cataract; This research has been done in seven phases. Statistical Analysis Used: All data about the treatment of cataract were collected and categorized into modern style. Results: According to TPM, to prevent cataract, first, it must be reduced or eliminated the causes of cataract; Those causes are classified to four themes such as physical factors, habits and inappropriate lifestyle, diseases, and age. Persian Physicians (Ḥakīm) proposed and used some prevention and medications to change some of these etiological factors to decrease the incidence of cataract. Conclusions: In this research, a wide range of preventive measures for cataract is observed which cannot be found in modern medicine. Changes in some etiological factors such as lifestyle can prevent this disease. Affirming this claim depends on clinical researches.

Phytochemical study of Hydroalcoholic extract of Mansoa alliacea (Lam.) Leaf

Today’s era of science in which everyone is busy to get luxurious life style, here the people of India have not much knowledge about actual effect of this plant. Today normally Mansoa alliacea (Lam.) used in many part of the world, but this plant is also found in Chattishgarh in India. Lahsun Bel or Jangali Lahsun are a very important folk medicine in India. Mansoa alliacea (Lam.) is an important drug is not namely mentioned in the traditional medicinal texts. It is a very efficacious plant remedy for the pain and inflammatory conditions like arthritis and rheumatism as well as it also can be used in cold, flu and fever. Generally leaves are used in form of infusion or decoction. Roots are used in the preparation of cold maceration and tincture andgenerally taken as a whole body tonic. The plant has antibacterial,anti-cholesterolemic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, antitussive and antiviral used traditionally. Whole part of Jangali Lahsun or Lahsun Bel are used for medicinal purpose. Pharmacognostic study or phytochemical investigation of these leaves has not been performed yet. The present work deals with the qualitative phytochemical evaluation of the leaf of Mansoa alliacea (Lam.) and establishment of its quality parameters.

Which Aroma In Iranian Traditional Medicine Is Effective On Sleep Disorders?

Sleep disorder is considered as a common problem throughout the world. Aromatherapy is a kind of treatment performed by using essential oils of plants for improving disease. There is much evidence in the literature, including Iranian traditional medicine, which confirms its positive effects on improving sleep disorder. Related keywords searched some Iranian traditional medicine texts and some new valid databases. In Iranian traditional medicine, aromatherapy is one of the methods of treatment for improving sleep disorders and its done by the temperamental approach. Aroma temperament, brain mal-temperament and specific performance of aroma are three factors for selection of the plants. Fourteen aromatic plants are introduced that can be effective by hypnotic in insomnia and reducing sleep in oversleeping. Aromatherapy is an effective method to improve sleep disorders, and it can be used through various plants in the more specified way with fewer side effects using temperamental approach. [GMJ.2017;6(1):3-11]

Flatulent Foodstuff, an Agent in the Creation of Infantile Colic: a Narrative Study based on the Traditional Iranian Medicine and Modern Investigation

Colic is a common and annoying problem in infancy whose etiology is not well understood. Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM) scientists know flatulent food effective in creating this disorder. Since the reduction or withdrawal of this kind of food in mother’s and infant’s nutrition can be effective in preventing this study aims to study and identify flatulent foods and the mechanism of flatulence in traditional and modern medicine. The search was conducted using the following keywords: flatulent, flatulence, colic and bowel sound (Gharagher) in six pharmacopeias of Traditional Iranian Medicine.Then, the scientific name of foodstuff was determined and the materias were scored based on the repetition in one or more traditional medicine book. Finally, by searching electronic resources, etiology and the mechanism of flatulence were evaluated for some of these materias. A total of 90 flatulent materias were found. Apples, cucumbers, pears, wheat, turnips and rice are the most flatulent plant materias. Etiology of flatulence in modern medicine is the gas production caused by the fermentation of the remaining food and carbohydrates by colon bacteria while in traditional medicine texts, flatulence occurs due to dysfunction in digestion performance which may be due to the type of the food.As a conclusion, almost all foods that were introduced as flatulent in traditional medicine are known as flatulence generators in modern medicine resources, as well. Identification of these foods can help to reduce infantile colic.

Nutritional Advice for Patients with Melasma in Iranian Traditional Medicine

Background: Melasma (called Kalaf in Iranian traditional medicine) is a common acquired hypermelanosis that affects sun-exposed areas of skin. Several factors including exposure to sunlight, pregnancy, and endocrine diseases increase the risk for Melasma. In traditional medicine, antecedent philosophers and physicians have tried to understand the nature and mechanisms of different systems of the human body for the diagnosis and management of Melasma; they have offered different solutions for it. This study is important since Melasma is a disease causing mental side effects in patients, due to darkness and opacity of the skin; therefore, the treatment of Melasma in terms of its psychological complications is of particular importance. In addition, texts of Iranian traditional medicine contain a wealth of nutritional advice for patients with Melasma. These texts have, until now, not yet been reviewed. The present study has considered the most important references of Iranian traditional medicine texts. Objectives: The objective of this study was to extract and categorize the nutritional advice of Iranian traditional medicine texts for the treatment of Melasma. Results: Dietary recommendations, not only for treatment but also for prevention of diseases and staying healthy, are very efficient. Conclusions: Based on the traditional medicine texts, it is helpful to avoid Soda-producing food as well as to identify appropriate food in order to eliminate the accumulation of Soda or black bile from the blood. This study offers a set of analytical and clinical research on food, which in traditional medicine is called Soda-producing as well as Soda reducing.

Prevention and Treatment of Flatulence From a Traditional Persian Medicine Perspective

ContextThe feeling of abdominal fullness, bloating, and movement of gas in the abdomen is a very uncomfortable sensation termed flatulence. Since flatulence is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms that is bothersome to patients, it is important to identify effective methods to resolve this issue. In modern medicine, management of flatulence is often not satisfactory. On the other hand, traditional systems of medicine can be considered good potential sources to find new approaches for preventing and treating flatulence. The aim of this study is to review flatulence treatments from a traditional Persian medicine (TPM) viewpoint.Evidence AcquisitionIn this study, the reasons for flatulence and methods for its prevention and treatment are reviewed in traditional Persian medicine (TPM) texts and then related with evidence from modern medicine by searching in databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and IranMedex.ResultsFrom a traditional Persian scholar viewpoint, one of the most important causes of flatulence is an incorrect manner of eating; valuable advice to correct bad eating habits will be illustrated. In addition, traditional practitioners describe some herbs and vegetables as well as herbal compounds that are effective food additives to relieve flatulence. The anti-flatulent effect of most of these herbs has been experimentally verified using modern medicine.ConclusionsAttention to TPM can lead to the identification of new preventive and curative approaches to avoid and treat flatulence. In addition, Persian viewpoints from the medieval era regarding flatulence are historically important.

Spasmodic versus spasmolytic activities of Euphorbia spinidens extract on rat isolated uterus.

Preterm contraction of uterus is a main cause of miscarriages and preterm labour. Euphorbia known as Ferphion in Iranian traditional medicine texts like Al-Hawi, is reported for prevention of preterm labour. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the effect of Euphorbia spinidens Bornm. Ex Prokh. on motility of rat uterus. Uterine horns were isolated form non-pregnant female rats pretreated with estrogen. E. spinidens hydroalcoholic extract was examined on KCl (80 mM) induced and spontaneous periodic contraction in isolate uterine strips suspended in an organ bath and compared with nifedipine and ritodrine. In isolated rat uterine strips, E. spinidens extract (1-500 µg/mL) showed mixed effects. At lower concentrations, firstly potentiated the spontaneous periodic contraction, while in concentrations above 256 µg/mL the spontaneous periodic contractions were completely attenuated. These findings demonstrated that although lower concentrations of hydroalcoholic extract potentiated the spontaneous periodic contraction of rat uterine smooth muscle, but at higher concentrations it had inhibitory effect on rat uterus contraction.