Evaluation of scientific evidence for abortifacient medicinal plants mentioned in traditional Persian medicine

Background:Miscarriage or spontaneous ending to a pregnancy takes place at the early stages of pregnancy without intervention.Pregnant women may use medicinal herbs to relieve some of the symptoms of pregnancy as they believe that all herbs are safe.Some abortion-inducing herbs were mentioned by the famous Iranian philosophers,Avicenna and Aghili,in documents of traditional Persian medicine titled Al-Qanun Fi Al-Tibb(The Canon of Medicine,written by Avicenna in the 11th century)and Makhzan Al-adviyah(The Storehouse of Medicaments,written by Aghili in the 18th century).Methods:Electronic databases such as PubMed,Scopus,Google Scholar,Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched to find new scientific evidence that these plants are toxic during pregnancy.Data was collected from 1831 to 2019.Results:Twenty-one plants were found to be abortive according to Al-Qanun Fi Al-Tibb(The Canon of Medicine)and Makhzan Al-adviyah(The Storehouse of Medicaments).Scientific research has shown that these plants possess abortifacient effects by the mechanisms of toxic alkaloids,uterine stimulants,and emmenagogue that interferes with implantation and results in fetus toxicity.These studies included in vivo or in vitro studies.Some of these plants showed abortifacient effects by more than one mechanism.Ruta graveolens,Nigella sativa,Curcuma longa,Lupinus termis,Apium graveolens,Mentha longifolia,and Peganum harmala possess uterine stimulant properties.Ruta graveolens,Juniperus sabina,Cicer arietinum,Piper longum,Artemisia absinthium,and Citrullus colocynthis interfere with implantation.Ruta graveolens,Nigella sativa,Curcuma longa,Tanacetum parthenium,Piper longum,Laurus nobilis,Apium graveolens,Mentha longifolia,and Cinnamomum iners exhibit emmenagogue effects.Lupinus termis,Delphinium staphisagria,Laurus nobilis,Trigonella foenum-graecum,Zataria multiflora,and Artemisia absinthium contain toxic alkaloids and possess teratogenic effects.Conclusion:The results of this study of traditional Persian medicine resources have been confirmed with new scientific evidence.Therefore,pregnant women should avoid consuming herbs without knowledge of their safety.

Light and color therapy: the role of light and color in architecture from the perspective of traditional Persian medicine

Some of the most important elements of healing architecture are light and color,which have been considered in diverse studies of environmental design for treatment and an effect on health.However,there is a lack of research in the field of the proportion of light and color with human differences.The goal of the present research is to provide a new perspective regarding the correlation between humans and the environment based on the philosophy of natural sciences in Iranian traditional medicine,with a focus on color and light to contrive an all-out balance of humans.The present article establishes a connection between traditional and modern medicine;it also indicates medical and health activists to draw their attention to the need for basic researches in traditional Iranian medicine to improve it based on scientific evidence as well as change the attitude of architects to design places based on people’s temperament(in traditional Persian medicine,temperament implies the same and new quality that results from the combination of the four elements(fire,air,water,and earth are four essential constituents of human and non-human beings)with each other and with their interaction in a composite body).This article is a descriptive method in a qualitative study that discuss elements of light and color from the perspective of traditional Persian medicine,after reviewing the history of color and light therapy.From the perspective of modern research,the study additionally discusses the effect of light and color on humans,the relationship of light and color with the temperament of people,and the effect of environmental color and light on people’s temperament.Notably,humans differ with regard to their characteristics and thus have different temperaments,which causes them to have different tendencies toward environmental factors.Qualitative data indicate the difference in the propensity of individuals to color and light according to a physical and psychological condition,and the effect of color and light on human temperament.Thus,the recommendations of traditional medicine can help present a proper pattern of design.

Role of dietary and lifestyle modifications in reflex epilepsy based on traditional Persian medicine

1 Introduction Epilepsy is a disease prevalent on a global scale. Reflex seizure, a part of this disorder, is categorized into two subtypes- ＂generalized＂ and ＂partial＂ reflex seizuresWe know that complementary and alternative medicine （CAM） modalities play a considerable role in health systems： their use is on the rise Although the paucity of evidence on CAM medicaments and recommendations is a real problem, separating the facts from fiction is certainly important when it comes to current scientific publications. While, modem medicine has specifically focused on treatments, holistic methods such as traditional Persian medicine （TPM） have paid more attention to prevention and removing causes. For instance, Jorjani （1042-1137 anno Domini）, the great Iranian physician, ordered his epileptic patients to avoid standing on high grounds or performing stressful tasks,These preventive measures have been supported in the recent literature,

Similarities and differences between kaiy in Persian medicine and moxibustion in Chinese medicine

Kaiy(medieval cautery)is an ancient method of heat therapy in traditional Persian medicine(TPM).Some of its important applications have been neglected during the medical revolution.Meanwhile,different treatment modalities that incorporate heat,including moxibustion,have progressed in traditional Chinese medicine.In this study,we reviewed the main TPM textbooks that were written specifically in the field of kaiy.We considered the traditional teachings in the context of contemporary information,gathered from the scientific literature about moxibustion and modern cauterization.Some surgical therapeutic indications of kaiy(e.g.,debridement and coagulative procedures)have been advanced by the innovation of electro-cauterization.However,those therapeutic applications that were based on the TPM humoral theory for relieving body coldness or myofascial pains—which are similar to moxibustion usages—have not received the same attention.Apart from the broad similarities of kaiy and moxibustion as thermal therapies with similar indications,there is a striking correspondence between kaiy point mapping and acupoints.Therefore,further research on different kaiy aspects is recommended.

The protective effect of a standardized hydroalcoholic extract of Prosopis farcta (Banks & Sol.) J.F.Macbr. fruit in a rat model for experimental ulcerative colitis

Background:Investigating new therapies for inflammatory bowel disease among natural products has recently been gaining attention.Although Prosopis farcta has repeatedly been mentioned in traditional Persian medicine as a therapeutic option for inflammatory bowel disease,no evidence-based investigations have been conducted on this topic.The aim of this study was to assess the impact of P.farcta on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats.Methods:A hydroalcoholic extract of P.farcta fruits was prepared.Thirty-six adult Wistar rats were divided into six groups,and colitis was induced in five groups,except the sham group,using acetic acid solution.The animals received distinctive daily doses of P.farcta(50,75,and 100 mg/kg/day,p.o.)and dexamethasone(1 mg/kg/day,i.p.)as standard treatment for two progressive days,starting from colitis induction.Microscopic and histopathological examinations were performed on inflamed colonic tissue.Tissue concentrations of interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-αwere assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.To identify the role of oxidative stress in ulcerative colitis,the levels of malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase were measured in colon tissues.Results:Treatment with all concentrations of P.farcta attenuated inflammation and ulcers compared with saline treatment in the control group(P<0.01 for 50 mg/kg;P<0.001 for 75 and 100 mg/kg/day).The best suppression of tumor necrosis factor-αand interleukin-1βwas observed at a dose of 100 mg/kg P.farcta(P<0.001).This dose showed the best effect in reducing myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde in ulcerative colitis-induced rats(P<0.001).Conclusion:P.farcta can be considered a promising candidate for treating ulcerative colitis;thus,it requires further confirmation by clinical trials.

Jadwar(Delphinium denudatum Wall.):a medicinal plant

Delphinium denudatum Wall.is one of the important medicinal herbs of traditional Persian medicine and is known as Jadwar.Medicinal plants are the most widely used drugs in traditional Persian medicine and has been used for various diseases since earlier times.The medicinal uses of Delphinium denudatum Wall.date back to over 1,000 years ago.Rhazes(845–925 C.E.)was the first Persian physician and scientist who reported the use of Delphinium denudatum Wall.as a herbal remedy.During the following centuries,the usages of Delphinium denudatum Wall.in the treatment of various diseases has been mentioned in the books and references of traditional Persian medicine for cures to various diseases such as neurologic and psychiatric disease,gastrointestinal disease,fever,pain,and poisoning.According to modern studies,the dried roots of Delphinium denudatum Wall.have antipyretic,antimicrobial,anticonvulsant,hepatoprotective,antioxidant,and pain-relieving properties.Biomolecules from roots of Delphinium denudatum Wall.were also identified as potential cures for central nervous system diseases as well as for the amelioration of morphine addiction.Delphinium denudatum Wall.,with its properties involving the prevention of mitochondrial dysfunction,reduction of oxidative stress,and inflammation and immune dysregulation,can be utilized in curing inflammatory disorders.The effective therapeutic influence of root extract of Delphinium denudatum Wall.against several diseases needs to be confirmed through controlled clinical trials.This article reviews the different features of Delphinium denudatum Wall.and focuses on the well-known therapeutic effects of this herbal drug on various human disorders and animal disease models.

The potential effects of Caper (Capparis spinosa L.) in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy(DN)is the most common form of neuropathy worldwide,with its prevalence rising alongside diabetes,and being characterized by sensory,motor or autonomic symptoms.DN is considered to be an incurable complication of diabetes,the management of which mainly consists of improving glycemic control,managing pain relief and ensuring continuous foot care.Although gabapentin,duloxetine and tricyclic antidepressants are commonly used to reduce patient symptoms,they do not affect the pathophysiology and progression of neuropathy.Furthermore,these drugs can have various side effects including insomnia,decreased appetite,arrhythmia,heart failure,and suicidal behavior.According to traditional Persian medicine,DN is recognized as a type of“Khadar”or“Esterkha”(a sensory or motor disorder,respectively)that occurs due to the accumulation of sugars in the peripheral nerves.Capparis spinosa L.,commonly known as the caper plant,has been recommended in authentic sources of traditional Persian medicine to treat such disorders.In this study,we reviewed the pharmacological properties of C.spinosa using the Web of Science,PubMed,Scopus and Google Scholar databases,and found that Capparis spinosa L.could affect several pathways involved in DN pathogenesis,including aldose reductase activity,the secretion of inflammatory mediators(IL-17,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6),oxidative stress,hyperlipidemia,hyperglycemia and advanced glycation end product formation.Based on these findings,we hypothesize that Capparis spinosa L.,may prevent the progression and reduce the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy,and so can be considered as a complementary treatment in this disorder.This hypothesis should be evaluated in well-designed in vitro and in vivo studies,and through clinical trials.

Effects of rhubarb(Rheum ribes L.)syrup on dysenteric diarrhea in children:a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND：Rheum ribes L.is a plant native to China,Iran,Turkey,India,and a few other countries.Antidiarrheal activity is considered to be one of its important properties according to various systems of traditional medicine.An increasing rate of bacterial resistance to antibiotics has led to treatment failure in some cases of shigellosis in children,and underlines a need for safe,efficient and valid options.OBJECTIVE：The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of R.ribes syrup as a complementary medicine for treatment of shigellosis in children.DESIGN,SETTING,PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS：This randomized,doubleblind,placebocontrolled trial started with a group of 150 children aged between 12–72 months with suspected Shigella dysentery.R.ribes syrup or placebo syrup was administered to the intervention and control groups,respectively for 5 days.In addition,the standard antibiotic treatment（ceftriaxone for the first 3 days and cefixime syrup for 2 further days）was administered to both groups.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES：Body temperature,abdominal pain,need for antipyretics,defecation frequency,stool volume and consistency and microscopic stool examination were recorded as outcome measures.Any observed adverse effects were also recorded.RESULTS：Mean duration of fever and diarrhea in the R.ribes group was significantly lower than that in the placebo group（P=0.016 and 0.001,respectively）.In addition,patients in the R.ribes group showed shorter duration of need for antipyretics and shorter duration of abdominal pain（P=0.012 and 0.001,respectively）.However,there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the microscopic stool analyses.Furthermore,no adverse effect was reported.CONCLUSION：R.ribes syrup can be recommended as a complementary treatment for children with Shigella dysentery.

Optimal fluid intake in daily diet: Avicenna's view

Adequate daily water consumption is an important factor of keeping regular homeostasis. However, the best quantity of daily water consumption for a healthy individual is not virtually stated in the literature. Despite the dearth of evidence-based recommendations, it is commonly thought that ingesting eight glasses of water a day is good for a healthy person. Avicenna had a unique viewpoint. He believed that daily water intake depended on numerous elements together with age, intercourse, body temperament, season, occupation and various internal and external elements. He also cited a few essential and usefu measures regarding proper water consumption, which have additionally been emphasized in Islamic hadiths.

Effects of Zataria oxymel on obesity, insulin resistance and lipid profile:A randomized, controlled, triple-blind trial

Background: Obesity is a major public health problem and its occurrence is markedly increasing in developed and developing countries. However, few studies have investigated the use of natural products to treat obesity. The effects of taking a combination of oxymel and Zataria multiflora Boiss.(ZM), herein referred to as Zataria oxymel(ZO), on obesity, lipid profile and insulin resistance have not yet been studied.Objective: This study evaluates the effects of oxymel and ZO on obesity, lipid profile and insulin resistance.Design, setting, participants and interventions: In this randomized, controlled, triple-blind trial, overweight patients were randomly divided into three groups and received doses of study compounds twice per day for twelve weeks. Group A received 0.75 g ZM in 10 mL oxymel in each treatment;group B received 1.5 g ZM in 10 m L of oxymel in each treatment and group C(control) only received 10 mL of oxymel in each treatment.Main outcome measures: Anthropometric parameters, including body mass index(BMI), waist circumference and hip circumference, were measured at the time of registration. Blood tests were carried out at the beginning and once again at end of the study. Blood parameters included fasting blood sugar(FBS), insulin levels, serum lipid profile(total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol) and liver enzymes(aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase).Serum creatinine was also measured at the beginning of the project and in monthly intervals for three months. The homeostasis model assessment index was calculated as fasting insulin(μIU/mL)×FBS(mg/dL)/405.Results: The results showed that patients receiving ZO experienced significant reduction in waist circumference in groups A, B and C, respectively(P < 0.001) but no significant change in BMI. Group A also experienced reduction in hip circumference(P = 0.01). Groups B and C had reduction in the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance(P = 0.05 and P = 0.01, respectively), with no significant reduction in FBS.No effect on lipid profile, liver enzymes or serum creatinine was observed in the three groups.Conclusion: In this study, treatment with ZO and oxymel reduced insulin resistance, and waist and hip circumferences in overweight patients. Nonetheless, the traditional Persian use of ZO as a beverage to improve the anthropometric indices in overweight individuals still requires further research with a larger sample size.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Code IRCT20171220037976 N1.

Blistering disease in viewpoint of Avicenna

1 Introduction According to traditional Persian medicine （TPM） resources, establishing a balance between quality of organs （hotness, coldness, wetness, dryness） and external factors, including the consumed food, plays a critical role in the health status. Avicenna believed that skin is the most balanced organ in the body. His interpretation is that according to quality perspective, hotness-coldness and wetness-dryness, skin is more moderate in comparison with other organs. Traditional Persian sages （Hakim） emphasized on the role of these quadruple qualities＇ balance on health. They believed that every organ, based on its function.