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Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are the most favorable alternatives in overcoming multidrug resistance, alone or synergistically with conventional antibiotics. Plant-derived AMPs, as cysteine-rich peptides, widely compensate the pharmacokinetic drawbacks of peptide therapeutics. Compared to the putative genes encrypted in the genome, AMPs that are produced under stress are active forms with the ability to combat resistant microbial species. Within this study, plant-derived AMPs, namely, defensins, nodule-specific cysteine-rich peptides, snakins, lipid transfer proteins, hevein-like proteins, α-hairpinins, and aracins, expressed under biotic and abiotic stresses, are classified. We could observe that while α-hairpinins and snakins display a helix-turn-helix structure, conserved motif patterns such as β1αβ2β3 and β1β2β3 exist in plant defensins and hevein-like proteins, respectively. According to the co-expression data, several plant AMPs are expressed together to trigger synergistic effects with membrane disruption mechanisms such as toroidal pore, barrel-stave, and carpet models. The application of AMPs as an eco-friendly strategy in maintaining agricultural productivity through the development of transgenes and bio-pesticides is discussed. These AMPs can be consumed in packaging material, wound-dressing products, coating catheters, implants, and allergology. AMPs with cell-penetrating properties are verified for the clearance of intracellular pathogens. Finally, the dominant pharmacological activities of bioactive peptides derived from the gastrointestinal digestion of plant AMPs, namely, inhibitors of renin and angiotensin-converting enzymes, dipeptidyl peptidase IV and α-glucosidase inhibitors, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, and hypolipidemic peptides, are analyzed. Conclusively, as phytopathogens and human pathogens can be affected by plant-derived AMPs, they provide a bright perspective in agriculture, breeding, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries, translated as farm to bedside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The underdevelopment of adjuvant discovery and diversity, compared to core vaccine technology, is evident. On the other hand, antibiotic resistance is on the list of the top ten threats to global health. Immunomodulatory peptides that target a pathogen and modulate the immune system simultaneously are promising for the development of preventive and therapeutic molecules. Since investigating innate immunity in insects has led to prominent achievements in human immunology, such as toll-like receptor (TLR) discovery, we used the capacity of the immunomodulatory peptides of arthropods with concomitant antimicrobial or antitumor activity. An SVM-based machine learning classifier identified short immunomodulatory sequences encrypted in 643 antimicrobial peptides from 55 foe-to-friend arthropods. The critical features involved in efficacy and safety were calculated. Finally, 76 safe immunomodulators were identified. Then, molecular docking and simulation studies defined the target of the most optimal peptide ligands among all human cell-surface TLRs. SPalf2-453 from a crab is a cell-penetrating immunoadjuvant with antiviral properties. The peptide interacts with the TLR1/2 heterodimer. SBsib-711 from a blackfly is a TLR4/MD2 ligand used as a cancer vaccine immunoadjuvant. In addition, SBsib-711 binds CD47 and PD-L1 on tumor cells, which is applicable in cancer immunotherapy as a checkpoint inhibitor. MRh4-679 from a shrimp is a broad-spectrum or universal immunoadjuvant with a putative Th1/Th2-balanced response. We also implemented a pathway enrichment analysis to define fingerprints or immunological signatures for further in vitro and in vivo immunogenicity and reactogenicity measurements. Conclusively, combinatorial machine learning, molecular docking, and simulation studies, as well as systems biology, open a new opportunity for the discovery and development of multifunctional prophylactic and therapeutic lead peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Any defects in bile formation, secretion, or flow may give rise to cholestasis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. As the pathogenesis of hepatic disorders is multifactorial, targeting parallel pathways potentially increases the outcome of therapy. Hypericum perforatum has been famed for its anti-depressive effects. However, according to traditional Persian medicine, it helps with jaundice and acts as a choleretic medication. Here, we will discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms of Hypericum for its use in hepatobiliary disorders. Differentially expressed genes retrieved from microarray data analysis upon treatment with safe doses of Hypericum extract and intersection with the genes involved in cholestasis are identified. Target genes are located mainly at the endomembrane system with integrin-binding ability. Activation of α5β1 integrins, as osmo-sensors in the liver, activates a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, c-SRC, which leads to the insertion of bile acid transporters into the canalicular membrane to trigger choleresis. Hypericum upregulates CDK6 that controls cell proliferation, compensating for the bile acid damage to hepatocytes. It induces ICAM1 to stimulate liver regeneration and regulates nischarin, a hepatoprotective receptor. The extract targets the expression of conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) and facilitates the movement of bile acids toward the canalicular membrane via Golgi-derived vesicles. In addition, Hypericum induces SCP2, an intracellular cholesterol transporter, to maintain cholesterol homeostasis. We have also provided a comprehensive view of the target genes affected by Hypericum's main metabolites, such as hypericin, hyperforin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, quercetin, kaempferol, rutin, and p-coumaric acid to enlighten a new scope in the management of chronic liver disorders. Altogether, standard trials using Hypericum as a neo-adjuvant or second-line therapy in ursodeoxycholic-acid-non-responder patients define the future trajectories of cholestasis treatment with this product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhubarb, the rhizome and root of Rheum palmatum L. from the Polygonaceae family, is a globally important medicinal plant, especially in eastern Asia. It has been indicated for enteritis, gastritis, constipation, and diarrhea in Persian medicine. Several pharmacological investigations in previous decades have been conducted on anthraquinones of rhubarb responsible for diarrheagenic activities and rhubarb tannins initiating anti-diarrheagenic effects. Aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, emodin, physcion, rhein, and their glycosides are major rhubarb anthraquinones. Moreover, catechin, catechin gallate, catechin-glucopyranoside, gallic acid, galloyl glucose, carboxyl-chrysophanol-O- glucose, coumaroyl-O-galloyl-glucose, di-O-galloyl-glucose, glucopyranosyl-galloyl-glucose, and di-, tri-, tetra-, and pentamer of catechin units are major rhubarb tannins. In this paper, a review of relevant pharmacological studies on rhubarb tannins and anthraquinones published in PubMed and Scopus databases is performed. In addition, the hub genes and common targets of rhubarb anthraquinones and tannins were investigated using gene expression databases. Thirty common differentially expressed target genes were identified. According to the survey, the pharmacology of rhubarb is linked to aquaporin expression and maintained inflammatory responses in the intestinal environment, where anthraquinones and tannins play as positive and negative regulators. Furthermore, their opposing effects on intestinal motility, fluid absorption, and water/electrolyte secretion are explained. Anthraquinones inhibit the Na+/K+ATPase pump while stimulating cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and Ca2+-activated Cl− channels (CACC). Tannins reduce fluid secretion and smooth muscle contraction by inhibiting CACC and CFTR. This linkage opens new aspects for rhubarb pharmacology, its diarrheagenic/anti-diarrheagenic effects, and philosophical concepts of Hot and Cold temperaments in traditional medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 is a worldwide pandemic resulting in a severe acute respiratory syndrome. Remdesivir is the only FDA-approved drug for hospitalized patients older than age 12. It shows the necessity of finding new therapeutic strategies. Functional foods (FFs) could have co-therapeutic and protective effects against COVID-19 infection. Traditional Persian medicine (TPM), one of the safest and most popular schools of medicine for hundreds of years, has recommended potential FF candidates to manage such a global pandemic. To reveal the potential of TPM in terms of antitussive FFs, traditional Persian pharmacopoeia "Qarabadin-e-Salehi" was searched using the keywords " Soaal " and " Sorfeh." Also, a search of MEDLINE, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and Science Direct was performed for the relevant literature published from the inception up to March 2021. A combination of search terms including "cough, antitussive, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, antiviral, COVID-19, mucoactive, mucolytic, expectorant, and mucoregulatory" was also applied. The potential mechanism of action in SARS-CoV-2 infection was discussed. Twelve TPM FFs were found including Laooqs, Morabbas, a Saviq, a soup, and a syrup. They are combinations of two to seven ingredients. Natural compounds of mentioned formulations have the main pharmacological mechanisms including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihistamine, bronchodilator, immunomodulatory, and mucoactive effects as well as central or peripheral antitussive activities. FFs are cost-effective, easily accessible, and safe options for both treatment and prevention of COVID-19. They might have positive psychological effects along with their pharmacological effects and nutritional virtues. They could also manage persistent respiratory discomforts after recovery from COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wallflower (Erysimum cheiri) is employed as a popular herbal drug in traditional Persian medicine. Topical formulations including cerates, lotions, sitz baths, and poultices for inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, anal fissure, endometriosis, and mastitis are known. However, there is no monograph in current pharmacopoeia for the wallflower drug. The present study is aimed to screen in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of wallflower and perform quality control and characterization tests for different organs of the herb. In this regard, albumin denaturation activity, macroscopic and microscopic, phytochemical, HPTLC, and FT-IR characteristics were investigated. Wallflower showed strong anti-inflammatory activity compared to diclofenac sodium. The root (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/mL) and flower (10 mg/mL) extract exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activities than that of other plant organs at the same concentrations. Moreover, total ash was found higher in aerial parts (21.52 ± 0.06 %) than flower (11.01 ± 0.03 %), root (5.03 ± 0.03 %), and seed (6.95 ± 0.06 %), while water-soluble ash was higher in seed (34.89 ± 0.26 %) than flower (5.00 ± 0.03 %), aerial parts (7.16 ± 0.06 %), and root (5.04 ± 0.01 %). Acid-insoluble ash and sulphated ash were higher in root (9.50 ± 0.04 %) and aerial part (28.37 ± 0.57 %), respectively. In addition, loss on drying was ranged from 2.20 ± 0.20 % in flowers to 6.00 ± 0.10 % in aerial parts. On the other hand, HPTLC analysis verified cardenolide compounds in all organs of the herb, and quercetin was detected in the flavonoid fingerprint of acid hydrolysed flowers. According to FT-IR results, the observed spectral region at ~3500 cm-1 attributed to -OH stretching vibration. Also, C–H (~2900-2950 cm-1), isothiocyanate (~2340 cm-1), -C=O (~1740 cm-1), conjugated C=C of the aromatic ring (~1650 cm-1), and structure of the aromatic group (~1200-1000 cm-1) were monitored. This work is the first study to the best of our knowledge, suggesting wallflower as a potential drug candidate with the basis for a monograph in addition to initial in vitro anti-inflammatory data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Uncomplicated infections such as candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis (BV), or trichomoniasis are easy to diagnose and treat. However, about 8% of patients will have a more complicated course with failure to respond to treatment or rapid recurrence of symptoms. There are many suggestions in Traditional Persian Medicine like myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) and oak gall (Quercus infectoria G.Olivier) for treatment of vaginitis. Objectives: A clinical trial was designed to assess the efficacy of a novel herbal suppository, containing myrtle and oak gall (MOGS) in treatment of vaginitis. Methods: In a parallel randomized clinical trial, 120 women with vaginitis were randomly assigned to MOGS, metronidazole, or placebo. Formulation was simulated from traditional Persian manuscripts and MGOS was prepared after pharmaceutical optimization processing as well as quantification of gallic acid by HPLC. The study was double-blind for MOGS and placebo and single-blind for metronidazole group. Results: MOGS effectively improved vaginal discharge (p = 0.024 for BV and 0.018 for trichomoniasis) and pH (compared to placebo (p = 0.013) and metronidazole (p = 0.001)). Both MOGS and metronidazole could reverse whiff test. Metronidazole was the best medication for making Nugent score negative (p = 0.005) as well as the best therapy according to laboratory findings to treat BV in comparison with placebo (p = 0.021). While for trichomoniasis, MOGS could improve the disease more successfully (p = 0.001). Both MOGS and metronidazole treated mixed vaginitis (p = 0.002). Conclusion: MOGS would be a chance for developing new treatment for trichomoniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic property of hydroalcoholic extract of Fenugreek seeds in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adult patients. METHODS: This randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel trial was conducted from November 2014 to June 2017. Patients aged between 18 and 70 years old with confirmed NAFLD were recruited from the Motahhari clinic, affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Participants either received 1 g hydroalcoholic extract of Fenugreek seeds or placebo daily for 3 months. The primary outcomes were changes in serum alanine transaminase and FibroScan controlled attenuation parameter score. Secondary outcome measures were changes in other laboratory data, liver stiffness measure, liver steatosis percent, and anthropometric variables. Participants were randomly assigned to the groups using blocked randomization method. Participants, investigators, and statistician were blinded to treatments allocation. RESULTS: After screening eighty patients, thirty patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups (1:1). After 3 months, two and four patients did not complete the trial in Fenugreek and placebo group, respectively. The changes in the anthropometrics, laboratories and FibroScan measurements were not statistically significant between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The evidence to prove the efficacy of the Fenugreek seeds' hydroalcoholic extract in NAFLD was not strong enough; hence, further experiments are still needed to assess the possible efficacy of Fenugreek on the treatment of NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and biomedical big data, network pharmacology represents a breakthrough in traditional medicine (TM) research. The emergence of interdisciplinary frontiers, such as bioinformatics and systems medicine, has led to a new pharmaceutical research generation that emphasize networks and systems (1) (2). In recent years, TM researchers have shown great interest in exploring AI technologies as an emerging discipline (3). The network pharmacology field has proven to be an effective means of elucidating the mechanisms of traditional herbal medicine and traditional pharmacy (4). The primary focus is to modernize TM by incorporating cutting-edge techniques in genomics, metabolomics, and systems biology. This will enable a fresh look at the knowledge and insights offered by TM (5). Systems biology, which takes a holistic approach, is a crucial research methodology for understanding the TM pharmacology. To successfully integrate systems biology into TM, it is necessary to combine computational technologies with holistic insights (6). By constructing a network of interrelated "herb-compound-target-pathway" relationships, this technique provides a holistic understanding of the mechanisms underlying traditional medicine. The integration of computational techniques into the network pharmacology has led to a significant improvement in the accuracy and efficiency of active constituent screening and target identification, surpassing previous levels of performance (4). On the other hand, there has been a gradual increase in the global studies of traditional medicinal plants due to their natural sources and wide variety. These plants are capable of complementing modern pharmacological approaches (7-10). It's important to point out that TM therapy is distinguished by its comprehensive, customized, multifaceted approach that targets multiple components, pathways, and objectives. A new concept called "network target" has been proposed to investigate the biological foundation of TM in a systematic manner. This concept is based on the multi-target approach of TM and represents a shift from the prevailing research paradigm, which focuses on single targets. There is currently a growing interest in network pharmacology as it relates to TM (1). By combining experimental research, network pharmacology plays a critical role in driving innovation and advancement in the field of TM. The integration of network pharmacology with TM is seen as valuable in offering insights into the mechanisms of TM and supporting clinical practice (1). It has been found that many diseases, such as hypertension, are most effectively treated through the use of multiple drugs or targeting multiple factors simultaneously (11). Indeed, the prevalence of complex diseases poses a serious threat to human health. Drug discovery strategies that rely on single genes, drugs, and targets are inadequate in addressing complex diseases. Consequently, the development of novel multicomponent drugs for management of complex diseases is crucial. A significant scientific challenge in this pursuit is the establishment of an appropriate solution for drug group-target protein network analysis. Herbal medicines, which have served as the foundation of sophisticated TM systems, have yielded several essential drugs that are still consumed today (12). AI-powered methods (e.g. machine learning and deep learning) have the ability to connect various aspects of TM such as chemical composition, targets, and diseases. Essentially, AI offers novel approaches to examining ancient literature on TM, facilitating the identification of key components in herbs or formulas, elucidating the mechanisms of action to guide the precise application of TM (3). By analyzing network characteristics and conducting literature mining, possible synergistic mechanisms and effective multi-components can tentatively be identified. This study suggests that this approach can serve as an effective strategy for discovery of active substances and elucidating their pharmacological mechanisms in TM (13). Integrating the strengths of both modern and traditional medicine into a unified integrative medicine has the potential to benefit patients around the world (5). The recent progress in phytochemistry, DNA sequencing, high throughput screening, bioinformatics, and systems biology has facilitated the exploration of the chemical composition and molecular mechanisms of TM, thereby providing insights into the early stages of drug discovery. As a result, there is potential for a renaissance in multi-component drug discovery, fueled by the inspiration of TM (11). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytotherapy is a source of finding new remedies for migraine. Traditional chamomile oil (chamomile extraction in sesame oil) is a formulation in Persian medicine (PM) for pain relief in migraine. An oleogel preparation of reformulated traditional chamomile oil was prepared and then standardized based on chamazulene (as a marker in essential oil) and apigenin via gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods, respectively. A crossover double-blind clinical trial was performed with 100 patients. Each patient took two tubes of drug and two tubes of placebo during the study. Visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires were filled in by the patients and scores were given, ranging from 0 to 10 (based on the severity of pain) during 24 h. Other complications like nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia were also monitored. There was 4.48 ± 0.01 μl/ml of chamazulene and 0.233 mg/g of apigenin in the preparation (by correcting the amount with extraction ratio). Thirty-eight patients in the drug-placebo and 34 patients in the placebo-drug groups (a total number of 72 patients as per protocol) completed the process in the randomized controlled trial (RCT). Adapted results from the questionnaires showed that pain, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia significantly (p < 0.001) decreased by using chamomile oleogel on the patients after 30 min. Results supported the efficacy of chamomile oleogel as a pain relief in migraine without aura. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal oils have been widely used in Iran as medicinal compounds dating back to thousands of years in Iran. Chamomile oil is widely used as an example of traditional oil. We remade chamomile oils and tried to modify it with current knowledge and facilities. Six types of oil (traditional and modified) were prepared. Microbial limit tests and physicochemical tests were performed on them. Also, principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and partial least squares discriminant analysis were done on the spectral data of attenuated total reflectance–infrared in order to obtain insight based on classification pattern of the samples. The results show that we can use modified versions of the chamomile oils (modified Clevenger-type apparatus method and microwave method) with the same content of traditional ones and with less microbial contaminations and better physicochemical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissatisfaction from sexual relationships can result in deprivation as well as problems, such as depression, anxiety, and destruction of family’s mental health. One hundred twenty-five women (18 to 40 years) who suffered from hypoactive sexual desire disorder were divided into Elaeagnus angustifolia flower (4.5 g g daily for 35 days), sildenafil citrate tablet (50 mg for 4 weeks), and control groups. The study data were collected using the Female Sexual Function Index and Spielberger’s questionnaire and measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin hormone. In the Elaeagnus angustifolia group, the mean score of state and trait anxiety decreased after the intervention. In the sildenafil citrate group also, the mean score of state anxiety decreased from 22.15 ± 4.98 to 20.1 ± 5.15 (P = .001) and that of trait anxiety decreased from 23.07 ± 4.44 to 21.55 ± 4.82 (P = .002) after the intervention. Consumption of sildenafil citrate tablet was effective in reduction of the mean score of anxiety resulting from sexual dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migraine is a common type of headache which has a deep history dating back thousands of years. Avicenna (980-1032), a Persian scholar, made a great contribution to neurology including headache and migraine. The aim of this study is to consider Avicenna's description about migraine (Shaghighe in Persian language) including definition, etiology and intervention. Also, his definition and treatment approaches were considered based on current concepts and findings. Although Avicenna believed in humoral theory and divided migraine into two categories, hot and cold, and suggested special treatments for them as well as general considerations, most of his definitions and explained pathologies are supported by current concepts of medicine. He believed that the migraine can result from bone of skull and also intra-parenchymal; or from skull underneath membrane (dura-mater); or reaching substances from the painful side or from outer vein and arteries (extra cranial); or from brain and meninges (pia-mater). Furthermore, current findings show most medicinal plants mentioned by Avicenna for the treatment of migraine can have potentially significant effects such as remedies which stop central and peripheral sensitization [anti-neuroinflammatory agents, decreasing nitric oxide level, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors], as well as serotonergics, neuroprotective agents and analgesics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: One of the most common global disorders is related to gastrointestinal system. Functional dyspepsia (FD) defined as upper abdominal pain and discomfort in the absence of organic ailments is a prevalent disease without any confirmed medication. The purpose of this study was to find gastric disorders which might be coincidental to FD based on traditional Persian medicine (TPM). Materials and Methods: We searched the main textbooks of TPM including Al-Havi (by Rhazes), Canon of medicine (by Avicenna), ZakhireKhawrazmshahi (by Ismail Jorjani), Moalijat-e Aghili and Makhzan Al-adviya (by Mohammad Hosein AghiliShirazi), and ExirAzam (by Hakim Azam Khan). Also, we searched Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct, Medline, scientific information database (SID), Iranmedex and Google Scholar from 1980 to 1 August 2014 for dyspepsia, gastrointestinal disease, traditional Persian medicine, and gastric dystemperaments. Results: There is no equivalent term for FD in traditional Persian medicine although similar signs and symptoms are visible in terms like simple cold dystemperament of stomach, indigestion, and digestion debility in TPM sources. Some treatments mentioned in TPM have shown promising results in the current experimental tests. Conclusion: Finding these similarities in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) textbooks may lead to discovering new remedies for this widespread disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Persian scholar, Mansur ibn Elyas, a late 14th century anatomist and physician from Shiraz, published his illustrated book on anatomy. Mansur’s anatomy (Tashrih-i Badan-i Insan) was written following the Mansur’s medical synopsis, Kefaye Mojahedieh. The book of Mansur is believed to be the first anatomical illustrated manuscript containing two-dimensional pictures of the human body. This 14th-century treatise is composed in Persian and is organized into five articles on the skeleton, nerves, muscles, veins and arteries, each illustrated with a full page diagram and with a final chapter including an image of a pregnant woman delivering a breech baby. These chapters have description part and related figure involving brief explanation. Mansur’s illustrations were often used in other Persian or Arabic medical manuscripts for at least two centuries in Persia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The cosmetic problem that vitiligo produces affects patients psychologically. Many patients with vitiligo are suggested to cover their white skin patches with cosmetic products. There are formulations in traditional Iranian pharmacy to color these white skin patches. In this study, one of these formulations was compared with a cosmetic formulation. Methods. Two groups of patients were selected. One group used a marketed formulation and other group used a traditional Iranian Pharmacy formulation. The quality of life of the patients was compared based on the Dermatology Life Quality Index Questionnaire. Results. Both interventions were associated with statistically improved Dermatology Life Quality Index scores over the 8-week intervention (P < .05), although the difference between the 2 was not statistically significant (P = .436). Conclusion. Traditional Iranian Pharmacy formulation is effective in increasing the quality of life in vitiligo patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis affects about 50% of people aged older than 65 years. Pain is the most important symptom in this disease. Today public interest in the use of complementary medicine, especially traditional herbal medicines has increased. The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy of traditional preparation of Peganum harmala L oil on patients with knee osteoarthritis. The product has been analyzed and standardized by high-performance liquid chromatography. A double blind controlled randomized clinical trial consisting of 54 patients were performed. Patients rubbed the drug or control (olive oil) on the knee 4 drops 3 times a day for 4 weeks. The patients were asked to fill out the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index and Visual Analogue Scale questionnaires at week 0 and 4. The adapted results from the questionnaires showed that pain and difficulty in function were significantly decreased in Peganum oil group after 4 weeks. There was no significant difference in stiffness change between 2 groups. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of jollab, a well-known beverage from traditional Persian medicine in the treatment of depression among patients suffering from functional dyspepsia. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a pair of 80 patients were enrolled in 2 parallel groups as Jollab and placebo. The Beck Depression Inventory–II questionnaire was used for the assessment. At all, 133 patients enrolling in the treatment and placebo groups ended the protocol. According to the outcomes, changes in scores between the 2 groups were statistically significant at the end of trial (P ≤ .001). Taken as a whole, treatment group was significantly more effective than the placebo. Focusing on nutritional and pharmaceutical properties, jollab may be introduced not only as a medication for depression and allied ailment but also a pleasant daily drink. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents information on a study conducted to evaluate the effects of the drugs Cuscuta planiflora and Nepeta menthoides in patients suffering from major depression. The study was conducted on three groups of patients, who were treated with Nepeta menthoides capsules, Cuscuta planiflora capsules, and conventional drugs respectively. The study concluded that Cuscuta planiflora and Nepeta menthoides capsules could be effective herbal medicines for the treatment of major depression.

No abstract available [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insomnia is a sleep disorder which affects 10-48% of general population. Different measures, such as pharmacotherapy and behavioral management, are applied for insomnia and associated complaints. In traditional medical systems, herbal medicines are considered beneficial. Therefore, the present paper compiles pharmacological and medical insights into the management of insomnia according to Traditional Persian Medicine. Herein, preserved medical and pharmaceutical manuscripts of Persian medicine from 10th to 18th century A.D. were investigated for information about concepts of insomnia treatment and herbal remedies. Additionally, for all herbal remedies, an extensive search of scientific databases, such as MEDLINE and Scopus, has been performed to find related works concerning hypnotic, sedative, and anxiolytic as well as narcoleptic effects. Insomnia (generally called Sahar in Persian manuscripts) is a well-known disorder. Herbal medical intervention was the major treatment prescribed by Iranian physicians. Totally, 36 medicinal herbs related to 25 plant families are derived from the searched literature. These remedies were applied orally, topically, and nasally. Based on scientific data, 50% of reported herbs have relevant pharmacological effects. Besides historical elucidation, this paper presents medical and pharmacological approaches that had been applied by Persian practitioners in order to deal with sleep complications. Considering the fruitful results of these findings, this essay should encourage researchers to conduct more investigations in this field in order to understand the mechanisms and effects of traditionally applied herbs still unknown to modern medicine. © 2014 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cupping therapy (CT) is one of the oldest medical techniques available, and is still used in several cultures instead of or as an adjunct or complement to 'western academic' medicine. Moreover, CT (wet or dry) is claimed to have therapeutic effects in many types of disorders which do not fully respond to conventional medicine or for which no effective treatment is available. However, no recent reviews of the clinical practice of cupping are available to the best of our knowledge. We describe the applications of CT as used in Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM). Several databases were searched for relevant literature. In addition, we studied the main traditional treatises on TIM regarding the history and practice of CT. Information about current practices was obtained from a systematic survey among practitioners. Our results suggest that CT is currently prescribed for up to 120 diseases and disorders that are difficult to treat, including cutaneous (21.7%), musculoskeletal (15%), and central nervous system (13.3%) disorders. Moreover, TIM treatises note 25 specific sites on the body surface which correspond to certain diseases, and on which wet-cupping therapy has therapeutic effects. Additional clinical studies of CT may lead to findings on new therapeutic methods and may shed light on mechanisms of disease and illness that are not fully understood in conventional medicine. © 2014 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peganum harmala L. smoke has been used traditionally in Middle Eastern and Asian countries as a disinfectant and air purifier. Here, the smoke was collected by a simple, reproducible method, and its chemical constituents of the smoke and volatile oil were analyzed. The major components of P. harmala smoke were a-pinene (60.4%), limonene (6.4%) and styrene (4.2%) and those of the volatile oil were a-pinene (72.6%), trans-verbenole (3.9%) and sabinene (2.6%). Styrene and some other components with potential antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities were formed in the smoke but not found in the volatile oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sphygmology is a 2000-year-old method that is still used in some traditional medicine systems, mainly Iranian, Chinese and Ayurveda. Ibn Sina is one of the most popular physicians in the history of Sphygmology, who had made great contributions to this method, but few meticulous studies have been made on his concepts. In this article, his standpoints on Pulsology are studied. Ibn Sina has mentioned 10 parameters for pulse palpation, and 13 compound pulses, as well. Besides, some pulse patterns applicable for differentiating similar diseases have been introduced. Nowadays some concepts on pulse patterns, such as pulse change in sleep and pregnancy have been studied; but unfortunately many of the ideas on Pulsology have not yet been examined. Sphygmology, as an accessible and inexpensive means, having a substantial diagnosis yield, has been accepted by the people since its rise, and its development over centuries ago. Although some new instruments have been innovated, which can measure different parameters of pulse, yet sphygmology can be one of the most commonly usable diagnostic methods in future, not only applicable by cardiologists but also by all the physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peganum harmala L. smoke has been used traditionally in Middle Eastern and Asian countries as a disinfectant and air purifier. Here, the smoke was collected by a simple, reproducible method, and its chemical constituents of the smoke and volatile oil were analyzed. The major components of P. harmala smoke were a-pinene (60.4%), limonene (6.4%) and styrene (4.2%) and those of the volatile oil were a-pinene (72.6%), trans-verbenole (3.9%) and sabinene (2.6%). Styrene and some other components with potential antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities were found in the smoke but not found in the volatile oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avicenna (980 - 1037 AD) known as the prince of physicians in he west was one of the most prominent Persian thinkers, phiosophers, and physicians. Owing to his interests in cardiology, he authored considerable works on different aspects of cardiology "Resaley-e-Ragshenasi" (Book on Pulsology) and "Kitab al-Adviyt-ol-Qalbiye" (the book on drugs for cardiovascular diseases) are Avicenna's great dedication to the field of cardiology. In the field of drug therapy, an important concept which Avicenna touched on was the approach of drug achievement to the site of action in an easier and more efficient way. The mentioned concept is now recognized as "drug targeting" in current medicinal sciences and is an important challenge and field of research in pharmacy. Drug targeting has its starting point just a few decades ago. whereas Avicenna considered the strategy 1000 year ago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tremor has been described in traditional systems of medicine throughout history. Persian medicine was one of those systems in medieval times and in it neurology and neurosurgery were also widely practiced and accepted. Based on the main Persian medical manuscripts, the current study focuses on the medieval concept of tremor as an important neurological disorder in order to clarify the development of neurology. Accordingly, three main approaches to the control and treatment of tremor in traditional Persian medicine are considered. First is lifestyle modification. The administration of simple medicines is the second, and the last is the application of compound medicines. Our study shows how much was known about tremor in traditional Persian medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of headache, as a common neurological complication, goes back to almost 9000 years ago. Many ancient civilizations present references to headaches and the coherent treatment strategies. Accordingly, several documents comprising headache complications embodying precise medical information stem from Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) that can provide useful opportunities for more comprehensive treatment. We conducted a survey on headache through original important pharmacopeias and other important medical manuscripts of TPM which were written during 9th to 19th centuries and have derived all headache categories and herbal remedies. An extensive search of scientific data banks, such as Medline and Scopus, has also been exercised to find results relating to the anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and analgesic effects of denoted medicinal herbs. The concept of headache and treatments in TPM covers over 20 various types of headache and more than 160 different medicinal plants administered for oral, topical, and nasal application according to 1000 years of the subject documents. Nearly, 60% of remarked medicinal herbs have related anti-inflammatory or analgesic effects and some current headache types have similarities and conformities to those of traditional types. Beside historical approaches, there are many possible and available strategies that can lead to development of new and effective headache treatment from medicinal plants so that this study can provide beneficial information on clinical remedies based on centuries of experience in the field of headache which can stand as a new candidate for further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Practice and study of medicine in Iran has a long and prolific history. Iran has all characteristics of an indigenous culture which has so far discovered numerous natural products. Unfortunately, scant research has been conducted on this system of medicine and ethnopharmacology of Iran. Gout is a historical disease that is still widespread all around the world. As numerous remedies used to be administered for treating gout in TIM, we decided to investigate drugs used to target gout. To accomplish this, five of most important references of TIM form the 9th to the 18th century were investigated for gout remedies. For all herbal remedies, an extensive search of the scientific data banks, Medline and Scopus, was done to find recent possible results concerning the xanthine oxidase inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities. One hundred and nine plant species, 31 animals, 14 minerals, and one mushroom were identified. Fourteen, twenty eight and three plant species have shown in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibitory, anti inflammatory and analgesic activities, respectively; also nine, forty and twenty two in vivo activities and two, seventeen and eight human studies were carried out for these three properties. Fifty-four drugs were cited in at least three references. TIM has the potential to be a very rewarding source of medical and medicinal knowledge. Then, a special focus should be put on drugs as well as the therapeutic method targeting the gout treatment. Owing to the limited attention so far paid to treating gout in TIM, it seems pertinent to conduct a systematic research on remedies which were used in TIM.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Essential oils are one of the most active components which can be found in medicinal plants. These compounds which are made up of many different volatile compounds possess antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms and have been used since the earliest reported history. Objective: To investigate essential oils of five plant materials (Artemisia sieberi, Cymbopogon olivieri, Haplophyllum tuberculatum, Salvia macrosiphon, Teucrium polium) for antibacterial activities. Materials and Methods: The GC /MS analyses were carried out on herbal extract using a Hewlett- Packard 6890. For investigating the anti-microbial effect, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis were used. Results: Main components of each plant were: Cymbopogon olivieri: piperitone (67.79%); Haplophyllum tuberculatum: borneol (25.73%); Salvia macrosiphon: piperitone (33.16%); Teucrium polium: limonene (37.70%) and Artemisia sieberi: piperitone (34.05%). The best antimicrobial activity by agar diffusion method was respectively belonged to Salvia macrosiphon; Artemisia sieberi and the mixture that had more activity than positive standard. Agar dilution method was used to identify MIC and MBC for each essential oil and the mixture. Best results were: Haplophyllum tuberculatum, Cymbopogon olivieri and Teucrium polium that showed MIC and MBC in 5 μL concentration on Streptococcus pneumoniae and MIC in similar concentration on Staphylococcus aureus. Salvia macrosiphon and Artemisia sieberi showed MIC in 5 μL concentration on Streptococcus pneumoniae. The mixture had good activities on Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: our results and previous works indicate that these essential oils have good antimicrobial activity and have potentials for future works in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotransformation of several monoterpene ketones, including carvone, pulegone, piperitone, menthone, and fenchone, was carried out by the locally isolated unicellular microalgae Chlorella vulgaris. The microalgal strain was isolated during a screening program from soil samples collected from paddy-fields of Fars Province, in the south of Iran. Chlorella vulgaris was cultured in 250 mL conical flasks, each containing 50 mL of BG-11 liquid medium and 20 μL levels of terpene substrates, incubated at a temperature of 28±2°C and illuminated continuously with fluorescent lamps with shaking at 80 rpm. The metabolites were identified by thin-layer chromatography and GC-MS. Chlorella vulgaris has the ability to reduce the C=C double bond of carvone to yield trans-dihydrocarvone and cis-dihydrocarvone. The cell line reduced menthone and pulegone to the same product and gave menthol. Study of Chlorella vulgaris with substrates of piperitone and fenchone showed no reaction in these substrates. Chlorella vulgaris MCCS 012 was assigned according to the 18S rRNA gene sequence. The DNA sequence of the 18S rRNA gene of Chlorella vulgaris MCCS 012 was recorded in the NCBI under the accession number EU374170. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unicellular cyanobacterium, Chroococcus dispersus (Keissl.) Lemmermann, was isolated from paddy-field and tested in biotransformation experiments of hydrocortisone (compound 1). This strain has not been previously examined for steroid substance modification. Fermentation was carried out in BG-11 medium supplemented with 0.05% substrate at 25 °C for seven days incubation. The metabolites were chromatographically purified and characterised using spectroscopic methods. The fermentation yielded 11β,17α,20β,21-tetrahydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (compound 2), 11β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3,17-dione (compound 3), and 11β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3,17-dione (compound 4). Bioreaction characteristics observed were 20-ketone reduction for accumulation of compound 2 and side chain degradation of the substrate to give compounds 3 and 4. Time course study showed the accumulation of the product 2 from the second day of the fermentation and product 3 as well as product 4 from the third day. All the metabolites reached their maximum concentration in seven days. Aeration and continuous light or light duration (16/8 hours light/dark) have no effect on the transformation yield. Optimum concentration of the substrate, which gave maximum bioconversion efficiency, was 0.5 mg ml−1 in the transformation experiment. Growth was not influenced by the addition of steroid substrate. Biotransformation was completely inhibited when steroid concentration was above 2.0 mg ml−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of enhancment accumulation of podophyllotoxin (PTOX) has been studied in cultures of cell suspension of Linum album Kotschy ex Boiss. (Linaceae) producing PTOX was studied. Attempts were made to manipulate the biosynthetic pathway of PTOX by some biotic (yeast extract) and abiotic (Ag+, Pb2+ and Cd2+) elicitors for 24 or 48 hr in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. Silver significantly enhanced PTOX production up to 0.24 % (mg/g cell dry wt.) in cultures. This effect could be attributed to the inhibitory role of silver on production of ethylene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their complex structure with several chiral centres important anticancer agents are still extracted from plants and not synthesized chemically on a commercial scale. Sustainable bioproduction of the compounds of interest may be achieved by plant in vitro cultures. Undifferentiated callus and suspension cultures, which can be cultivated in large bioreactors easily, very often fail to accumulate the compounds of interest, whereas shoot and root cultures as well hairy roots normally produce the same compounds as in the appropriate organs. The production of anticancer compounds, such as the alkaloids vinblastine, vincristine, paclitaxel (Taxol®), camptothecin, or the lignan podophyllotoxin, by plant in vitro cultures is reviewed. Taxanes can be produced in bioreactors using cell suspensions of various Taxus species with good yields; presently paclitaxel is produced on a commercial scale by Phyton Biotech (Germany). Camptothecin has low yields in suspension cultures of Camptotheca acuminata or Nothapodytes foetida (0.0003–0.01%), but a good production (0.1–0.3% dry wt) in root and hairy root cultures of Ophiorrhiza pumila, O. mungos and C. acuminata. Podophyllotoxin can be produced in cell suspension and root as well as hairy root cultures of Podophyllum and various Linum species up to 130 mg/l (Linum album cell suspensions); its derivative 6-methoxypodophyllotoxin is accumulated in hairy roots of L. persicum up to about 500 mg/l. The in vitro production of dimeric indole alkaloids in Catharanthus roseus has failed so far both in undifferentiated and differentiated in vitro cultures. In cases where in vitro cultures show good yields, they can be employed in biotechnology for the sustainable production of valuable products. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The possibility of enhancement accumulation of podophyllotoxin (PTOX) has been studied in cultures of cell suspension of Linum album Kotschy ex Boiss. (Linaceae) producing PTOX was studied. Attempts were made to manipulate the biosynthetic pathway of PTOX by some biotic (yeast extract) and abiotic (Ag+, Pb2+ and Cd2+) elicitors for 24 or 48 hr in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. Silver significantly enhanced PTOX production up to 0.24 % (mg/g cell dry wt.) in cultures. This effect could be attributed to the inhibitory role of silver on production of ethylene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotransformation of monoterpene aldehydes and related compounds, carvone and bornyl acetate was carried out by cell suspension culture of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Cells reduced most saturated and unsaturated terpene aldehydes, aromatic and related aldehydes to corresponding primary alcohols. Furthermore, the C=C bonds in the side chain of cinnamaldehyde and in the cyclohexene ring of carvone were converted into corresponding saturated compounds, hydrocinnamylalcohol, cis- and trans-dihydrocarvone. Bornyl acetate hydrolyzed to two isomers, isoborneol and endo-borneol. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aryltetralin lignans (podophyllotoxin type) are the main lignan constituents of species belonging to Linum section Syllinum (Linaceae). Linum persicum, a perennial plant native to Iran closely related to L. album, has not yet been studied. To evaluate the lignan profile, fresh plants of L. persicumwere collected and divided into different parts and analyzed by HPLC. The main aryltetralin lignans found in L. persicumplant parts, callus and cell cultures were podophyllotoxin (PTOX), 6-methoxypodophyllotoxin (MPTOX) and α- and β-peltatin. Furthermore, the systematic relationship between L. persicum and other Linum species are discussed in the light of morphological and phytochemical aspects. Abbreviations: MPTOX – 6-methoxypodophyllotoxin; PTOX – podophyllotoxin; DOP – deoxypodophyllotoxin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of surgery is indebted to scientists and surgeons from various civilizations throughout history. The present study considers surgery in the ancient Persian civilization. It highlights aspects of the subject, such as findings of the first trephinated skulls in Iran; surgeons' social class ( kareto baēšaza in the Avestan language-dating back 3,000 years); surgical operations such as cesarean section and procedures to treat breast cancer; and the use of anesthetic compounds and surgical practice in the military. It is hoped that this catalogue of historical evidence of surgical practice in ancient Persian civilization will contribute to the history of surgery, as an important field in medical science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Canon of Medicine was the reference of medical sciences for many years in western and eastern countries. The second book of this medical encyclopedia is on pharmacology which has a chapter on collection and storage of plant materials. In this work a comparison was done on the Canon of Medicine and modern rules in this area. It seems that Ibn Sina had developed ideas on the condition of plant collection and storage which guaranteed the quality of primary materials. Overall, his rules and modern ones are alike in the most parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The articles reports on the study which investigates the volatile chemical composition and antimicrobial property of the essential oil extracted from Smyrniopsis aucheri. The study used gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy to analyze the volatiles from S. aucheri. It identified 31 components and it includes alpha-bisabolo, alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. The in vitro antimicrobial activities were determined by the agar disc diffusion method.