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Objective: In the absence of targeted antidotes for chlorine gas poisoning, a common yet concerning problem, this study investigates the effect of Wet Cupping Therapy (WCT, or "Hijamat") on the recovery process in chlorine-induced reactive airway dysfunction syndrome (RADS) patients. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 24 patients experiencing acute inhalation of chlorine poisoning in Tehran, Iran (2020-2021). Patients were randomly divided into control (n=12, receiving conventional treatment) and intervention (n=12, receiving conventional treatment plus WCT) groups. Signs and symptoms were assessed pre-intervention, and in the first hour, first week, and first month post-intervention. Results: Medical records of 24 patients, including 3(12.5%) men and 21(87.5%) women, with a mean age of 42.92 years old, were evaluated. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. WCT significantly improved symptoms (dyspnea, cough, chest tightness, etc.) within the first hour (p=0.003) compared to the controls, with no future significant changes during the first week and first-month post-WCT. Comparison between the groups revealed substantial differences in the following variables: dyspnea scale (p=0.009), respiratory rate (p=0.026), cough (p=0.001), breath shortness (p=0.006), chest tightness (p=0.002), chest pain (p=0.010), substernal burning (p=0.015), throat sore (p=0.005) and hoarseness (p=0.027). Peak flow meter readings, reflecting lung function, were also significantly higher in the WCT group at all time-points (p<0.007). Conclusion: WCT may offer a rapid and sustained improvement in pulmonary and respiratory symptoms following acute chlorine inhalation injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Male infertility is a common issue that affects people worldwide and presents challenges in terms of treatment. In recent times, there has been significant interest in the use of herbal remedies as a potential solution for male infertility. In this study, we aimed to assess and compare the effects of clomiphene, carrot seed, and education based on traditional Persian medicine on the sperm parameters in idiopathic male infertility. Materials and Methods: Sixty male patients experiencing infertility were randomly divided into four groups: Clomiphene, Clomiphene + Carrot, Clomiphene + Lifestyle modification, and Clomiphene + Carrot + Lifestyle modification. In the herbal group, patients received four capsules of carrot seeds, for a total of 2 g daily for 90 days. Meanwhile, subjects in the Clomiphene group were administered one tablet of clomiphene, containing 50 mg, per day for a duration of 90 days. Sperm parameters were analyzed at the beginning and end of the study. Results: After the 90-day intervention, the groups that received clomiphene combined with carrot and lifestyle interventions showed significant improvements in various sperm parameters. These improvements were statistically significant compared to the control group. Conclusion: The combination of carrot seeds along with clomiphene and education based on traditional Persian medicine was found to improve sperm parameters in cases of idiopathic male infertility without any adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ma'aljobon is used in Persian medicine (PM) as a natural antihypertensive product. This study aimed to evaluate the hypotensive effect of Ma'aljobon in patients with uncontrolled grade 1 primary hypertension (HTN). Materials and Methods: This double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial included 114 patients (20-80 years) with uncontrolled grade 1 primary HTN. After obtaining informed consent, the participants were randomly divided into two groups and administered with 25g of Ma'aljobon or maltodextrin twice daily for six weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively) were analyzed. Results: A total of 97 patients (52.3±10.7 years, %53.6 female) completed the study. In the Ma'aljobon group, SBP decreased from 150.3±12.3 to 130.6±12.1 mm Hg, and DBP decreased from 93.3±8.2 to 80.1±6.6 mm Hg (p<0.001). In the control group, SBP decreased from 147.6±11.2 to 138.7±14.4 mm Hg, and DBP decreased from 86.6±7.7 to 82.2±8.2 mm Hg (p<0.001). There was a significant difference in the changes of SBP and DBP between the two groups over time (p<0.001). No adverse events were observed. Conclusion: Ma'aljobon has a stronger hypotensive effect than placebo in patients with HTN and can be recommended as an addon therapy for uncontrolled HTN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of infertility and endocrine disorders in women of childbearing age. In Persian medicine, Ferula assafoetida L. (Asafoetida) was recommended for treating PCOS. The present study was conducted to compare the effect of Asafoetida with oral contraceptive tablets on PCOS patients.Materials and Methods: Patients with PCOS (n=30) were enrolled in a double-blind randomized clinical trial. On Day 5 of the menstrual cycle, patients received two periods of 21-day treatment, with 7 days rest between the two treatments. On a daily basis, half of the patients (n=15) received Asafoetida (1 g), and the rest received low dose oral contraceptive (LD; one tablet). Menstrual status, anthropometric characteristics, hematology and biochemistry parameters, ovarian ultrasound examination and hirsutism were evaluated prior to the initiation of the experiment and 14 days after the end of treatment. The occurrence of menstrual cycles and pregnancy was assessed eight months after the end of treatment.Results: The incidence of pregnancy was greater in patients who received Asafoetida compared to those who received LD (p=0.019). The time intervals between menstrual cycles became shorter in both groups (p

Objective: Hypothyroidism is characterized by insufficient production of thyroxine by the thyroid gland. Levothyroxine may not fully alleviate patients' symptoms. This study aimed to assess the impact of a herbal product on weight, body mass index (BMI), thyroid hormones, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS), depression, and quality-of-life scores in patients.Materials and Methods: 72 patients with primary hypothyroidism, aged between 20 and 65 years old, participated in the trial and they were randomly allocated into two groups. The intervention group received the herbal powder containing Trachyspermum ammi L., Nigella sativa L., and Citrus aurantifolia L. while the control group received Avicel for 8 weeks.Results: Treatment with the herbal product resulted in statistically significant reductions in anthropometric variables such as BMI (p=0.03), hip circumference (HC) (p=0.008), waist circumference (WC) (p

Objective: Hypothyroidism is characterized by insufficient production of thyroxine by the thyroid gland. Levothyroxine may not fully alleviate patients' symptoms. This study aimed to assess the impact of a herbal product on weight, body mass index (BMI), thyroid hormones, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS), depression, and quality-of-life scores in patients. Materials and Methods: 72 patients with primary hypothyroidism, aged between 20 and 65 years old, participated in the trial and they were randomly allocated into two groups. The intervention group received the herbal powder containing Trachyspermum ammi L., Nigella sativa L., and Citrus aurantifolia L. while the control group received Avicel for 8 weeks. Results: Treatment with the herbal product resulted in statistically significant reductions in anthropometric variables such as BMI (p=0.03), hip circumference (HC) (p=0.008), waist circumference (WC) (p<0.001), and waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR) (p=0.003) in the intervention group in comparison between intervention and control groups. However, the decrease in weight was not statistically significant (p=0.08) in the intervention group compared the control group. In comparison between two groups, the depression score exhibited a statistically significant decrease in the intervention (p=0.001) and control groups (p=0.01), while there was a statistically significant increase in the quality-of-life score only in the intervention group (p<0.001) in comparison between intervention and control groups. Conclusion: The results indicate the potential beneficial effects of the herbal product on anthropometric variables in patients. Furthermore, the intervention yielded significant improvements in depression symptoms and quality-of-life scores among the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of infertility and endocrine disorders in women of childbearing age. In Persian medicine, Ferula assafoetida L. (Asafoetida) was recommended for treating PCOS. The present study was conducted to compare the effect of Asafoetida with oral contraceptive tablets on PCOS patients. Materials and Methods: Patients with PCOS (n=30) were enrolled in a double-blind randomized clinical trial. On Day 5 of the menstrual cycle, patients received two periods of 21-day treatment, with 7 days rest between the two treatments. On a daily basis, half of the patients (n=15) received Asafoetida (1 g), and the rest received low dose oral contraceptive (LD; one tablet). Menstrual status, anthropometric characteristics, hematology and biochemistry parameters, ovarian ultrasound examination and hirsutism were evaluated prior to the initiation of the experiment and 14 days after the end of treatment. The occurrence of menstrual cycles and pregnancy was assessed eight months after the end of treatment. Results: The incidence of pregnancy was greater in patients who received Asafoetida compared to those who received LD (p=0.019). The time intervals between menstrual cycles became shorter in both groups (p<0.05). The occurrence of regular menstrual cycles remained longer in the Asafoetida compared to the LD group (p=0.001). Concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL and LDL were significantly increased after treating with LD (p<0.05). Conclusion: In PCOS patients, the occurrence of regular menstrual cycles and the incidence of pregnancy were improved following treatment with Asafoetida. This medicament could be considered a safe treatment for patients with PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has a positive effect on respiratory diseases. Oleo-gum of Ferula assa-foetida contains this compound. This study assessed the effects of Ferula assa-foetida L. oleo gum resin and tragacanth (Phytopaj) on patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial (RCT) phase 2 was conducted in Mashhad on hospitalized COVID-19 patients. In this RCT, 122 patients were randomly assigned to either receive a 14-day oral phytopaj plus ordinary treatment or ordinary treatment only. Changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte count (LC) and blood oxygen saturation (PO2) were the endpoints. Results: Mean±SD of PO2 in Phytopaj comparison ordinary treatment before intervention was 91.86±4.62 and 91.41±9.18, after the intervention it was 93.22±4.26 and 91.91±5.92 mmHg; before intervention, mean±SD of peripheral blood lymphocyte count was 1015.90±500.55, and 1104.28±543.61, and after intervention, it was 1652.27±921.38 and 1326.12±719.28/μL respectively. Participants' age, comorbidity, gender, and stage ofConclusion: Phyopaj is most useful in moderate stages of Covid19, and it is not recommended for elderly patients and patients with comorbidity until more insight is gained.

Objective: “Masnavi Manavi” is one of the most valuable texts of Persian literature. In this book, Rumi (Mevlana) with a unique method and in the form of moral stories teaches life lessons, mystical truths and even therapeutic advices to people. The aim of this study is to highlight the medicinal plants and foods that had been applied both in somatic and spiritual concept in “Masnavi Manavi’ poems.Materials and Methods: For this purpose, a library-based, descriptive and analytical method was used.Results: Some medicinal plants and food terms such as rose-water, vinegar, honey, oxymel, common reed, grape, onion, garlic and wheat are mentioned in this study to show Rumi's metaphorical and therapeutic approach as a doctor who treats both soul and body. In fact, Rumi's intention to apply these terms was to express his ideas and views about the inseparability of physical and spiritual aspects in human health and well-being.Conclusion: Rumi focus in “Masnavi Manavi” moral stories is the soul health and consider body as carrier of the soul. Therefore, because of this psychosomatic approach to human disease, he selects the most suitable herbs and foods for explaining spiritual and somatic medicine.

Objective: Exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has a positive effect on respiratory diseases. Oleo-gum of Ferula assa-foetida contains this compound. This study assessed the effects of Ferula assa-foetida L. oleo gum resin and tragacanth (Phytopaj) on patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial (RCT) phase 2 was conducted in Mashhad on hospitalized COVID-19 patients. In this RCT, 122 patients were randomly assigned to either receive a 14-day oral phytopaj plus ordinary treatment or ordinary treatment only. Changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte count (LC) and blood oxygen saturation (PO2) were the endpoints. Results: Mean±SD of PO2 in Phytopaj comparison ordinary treatment before intervention was 91.86±4.62 and 91.41±9.18, after the intervention it was 93.22±4.26 and 91.91±5.92 mmHg; before intervention, mean±SD of peripheral blood lymphocyte count was 1015.90±500.55, and 1104.28±543.61, and after intervention, it was 1652.27±921.38 and 1326.12±719.28/μL respectively. Conclusion: Phyopaj is most useful in moderate stages of Covid19, and it is not recommended for elderly patients and patients with comorbidity until more insight is gained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with clinical signs characterized by fever, fatigue and cough. Our study aimed to assess the efficacy of a Persian medicine formulation, lavender syrup, as an add-on to standard care in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial which was conducted in Gorgan (Iran), 84 male and female COVID-19 outpatients were randomly allocated to either lavender syrup receiving 9 ml/twice/day for 21 days with standard conventional care or control groups. The primary objectives were to assess the improvement of clinical symptoms, while the secondary objectives were treatment satisfaction and anxiety levels which were evaluated once a week for 3 weeks.Results: Out of 84 participants, 81 were analyzed (41 in the add-on group). The comparison between groups for cough severity and anosmia showed a higher reduction in the lavender group. The effect size was 0.6 for cough relief. Other symptoms and the Hamilton total score decreased in both groups with no statistically significant differences between the groups. The lavender group showed greater patients’ satisfaction score.Conclusion: Adjunctive therapy with lavender syrup could reduce cough and improve the quality of life in patients with COVID-19 patients.

Objective: This study was designed to detect the therapeutic effects of galbanum oil plus dry cupping (a Persian medicine-based method) in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 60 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with positive polymerase chain reaction test (PCR), pulmonary involvement and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) ≤93 mmHg, were randomly assigned into two groups to take the standard therapeutic regimen alone or alongside cupping and topical galbanum oil (Ferula gommosa oleo-gum resin) for 3-5 days. The SpO2 level, the severity of signs and symptoms of patients and laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups.Results: Fifty-eight patients were analyzed. The SpO2 level changed from 89.27±3.82 to 90.29±3.09 mmHg (p=0.038) in control group, while it increased from 88.74±3.45 to 94.23±2.1 mmHg (

Objective: "Masnavi Manavi" is one of the most valuable texts of Persian literature. In this book, Rumi (Mevlana) with a unique method and in the form of moral stories teaches life lessons, mystical truths and even therapeutic advices to people. The aim of this study is to highlight the medicinal plants and foods that had been applied both in somatic and spiritual concept in "Masnavi Manavi' poems. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, a library-based, descriptive and analytical method was used. Results: Some medicinal plants and food terms such as rosewater, vinegar, honey, oxymel, common reed, grape, onion, garlic and wheat are mentioned in this study to show Rumi's metaphorical and therapeutic approach as a doctor who treats both soul and body. In fact, Rumi's intention to apply these terms was to express his ideas and views about the inseparability of physical and spiritual aspects in human health and well-being. Conclusion: Rumi focus in "Masnavi Manavi" moral stories is the soul health and consider body as carrier of the soul. Therefore, because of this psychosomatic approach to human disease, he selects the most suitable herbs and foods for explaining spiritual and somatic medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with clinical signs characterized by fever, fatigue and cough. Our study aimed to assess the efficacy of a Persian medicine formulation, lavender syrup, as an add-on to standard care in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial which was conducted in Gorgan (Iran), 84 male and female COVID-19 outpatients were randomly allocated to either lavender syrup receiving 9 ml/twice/day for 21 days with standard conventional care or control groups. The primary objectives were to assess the improvement of clinical symptoms, while the secondary objectives were treatment satisfaction and anxiety levels which were evaluated once a week for 3 weeks. Results: Out of 84 participants, 81 were analyzed (41 in the addon group). The comparison between groups for cough severity and anosmia showed a higher reduction in the lavender group. The effect size was 0.6 for cough relief. Other symptoms and the Hamilton total score decreased in both groups with no statistically significant differences between the groups. The lavender group showed greater patients' satisfaction score. Conclusion: Adjunctive therapy with lavender syrup could reduce cough and improve the quality of life in patients with COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was designed to detect the therapeutic effects of galbanum oil plus dry cupping (a Persian medicinebased method) in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 60 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with positive polymerase chain reaction test (PCR), pulmonary involvement and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) ≤93 mmHg, were randomly assigned into two groups to take the standard therapeutic regimen alone or alongside cupping and topical galbanum oil (Ferula gommosa oleo-gum resin) for 3-5 days. The SpO2 level, the severity of signs and symptoms of patients and laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups. Results: Fifty-eight patients were analyzed. The SpO2 level changed from 89.27±3.82 to 90.29±3.09 mmHg (p=0.038) in control group, while it increased from 88.74±3.45 to 94.23±2.1 mmHg (<0.001) in galbanum group with a significant difference between the groups (p<0.001). Fever, cough, dyspnea, and anorexia alleviated in the galbanum group more than the control (p=0.003, 0.001, 0.01, and 0.04, respectively). No adverse effects were reported due to galbanum oil and cupping therapy. Conclusion: Dry cupping with galbanum oil alongside the routine therapeutic regimen could be more effective than the routine therapeutic regimen alone for improving SpO2 level and alleviating fever, cough, and dyspnea in COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The effect of lavender syrup on COVID-19-induced olfactory dysfunction (OD) has been assessed in this study.Materials and Methods: This pilot clinical trial was conducted in Gonbad-E-Kavoos (Golestan province, Iran). Twenty-three outpatients with COVID-19 and OD in lavender group took 9 ml of lavender syrup/bid for 3 weeks along with the standard COVID-19 treatments and 20 patients in control group took only standard COVID-19 treatments. The severity of OD was assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS). Data analysis was performed by Friedman and Mann-Whitney tests using SPSS software.Results: The mean± standard deviation of age was 36.6±9.1, and 42.6±10.4 years (p=0.05), and the duration of symptoms was 7.4±3.5, and 7.5±3.4 days (p=0.98) in the lavender and control group, respectively. The VAS score for OD decreased from 6.8±3.04 to 0.26±0.86 in the lavender group and from 5.3±3.4 to 1±2.61 in the control group. Although, VAS for OD was significantly decreased in both groups (p

Objective: Golnar product is a poly herbal formulation advised by Persian medicine to control heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of this product with placebo in patients with HMB. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 100 women with HMB were randomly assigned into two groups. The patients in the Golnar group (n=50) took Golnar capsules 500 mg three times a day for the first 7 days of menstrual cycle for three cycles. The placebo group (n=50), took placebo capsules in the same manner. The duration and volume of bleeding (using Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart: PBAC), quality of life (using Menorrhagia Questionnaire: MQ), and hemoglobin level (Hb) were measured 3 months after initiation of the intervention. Results: Eighty-two patients (43 in the Golnar and 39 in the placebo groups) completed the 3-month intervention period. In the Golnar group, PBAC score decreased from 201.62 (144.11) to 109.44 (69.57) (p Conclusion: The Golnar product can be considered an effective intervention for patients with HMB. Assessment of side-effects is suggested to be performed in a larger sample. In addition, a comparison between the Golnar product and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs could be valuable.

Objective: Tension-type headache is the most frequent type of headache. Considering the effectiveness of Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) in treatment of some types of headache, the effect of valerian root was studied in patients with tension-type headache. Materials and Methods: The current study is a double-blind randomized clinical trial that was conducted in Shams Hospital of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, from January to June 2018. We included 88 participants with tension-type headache and randomly assigned them to intervention and control group by block randomization in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group received Sedamin® capsule (530 mg of valerian root extraction) while the placebo group received 500 mg of breadcrumbs both given as two capsules daily for a month -after dinner. The headache impact on activity of daily livings performance, headache disability, and headache severity were measured using questionnaires in baseline and one month after intervention in both groups. Results: The average age (±SD) of the participants was 34.9 (±8.7) years old. After one month, the impact of headache on daily livings performance, significantly reduced in intervention group (mean=51.2) versus the placebo (mean=57.0), (p Conclusion: The present trial showed that valerian capsule could reduce the headache impact on daily livings performance, disability and severity of tension-type headache.

Objective: In Persian medicine (PM), wet-cupping therapy (WCT) is the most utilized approach. WCT is mostly done between the shoulders, which is referred to as “hejamt-e-aam” in the Persian language. CD4+T cells also refer to T helper lymphocytes play a critical role in the immune system. Naïve CD4+ T cells differentiate into at least four subsets, T helper 1 (Th1), T helper 2 (Th2), T helper 17 (Th17), and T regulatory (Treg) cells. The master regulator controlling each subset have been defined as follows, Tbet (Th1), Gata3 (Th2), RORγt (Th17), FoxP3 (Treg). The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of WCT and dry-cupping therapy (DCT) on the ratios of Th1/Th2 and Treg /Th17 in healthy individuals. Material and Methods: Participants were divided randomly into two groups of 41 men in the WCT group and 40 men in the DCT group. Blood was taken, before, one and four weeks after the intervention. RNA was extracted from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the expression of T-bet, GATA-3, RORγt, and Foxp3 genes were determined by using SYBR green RT-PCR technique. Results: The results showed that WCT increased the expression ofGATA-3, RORγt, and Foxp3 transcription factor genes (p=0.009, p=0.001, and p=0.021, respectively). Although in the WCT group, the ratio of Foxp3/RORγt increased (p=0.048), but the ratio of T-bet/GATA-3 (Th1/Th2) decreased (p=0.971). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that WCT may regulate the T subsets of lymphocyte and reduce inflammation.

Objective: Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia is one of the main side effects of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment. In this trial, we evaluated the efficacy of chamomile in management of neutropenia. Materials and Methods: This randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 2-18-year-old children with ALL. Participants in each group daily received 2.5 ml of either chamomile syrup or placebo syrup for a period of 30 days. Participants’ white blood cell (WBC), and absolute neutrophil count (ANC), as well as their quality of life were evaluated. Results: The study was completed with a total of 40 patients. An increasing trend of ANC was observed in the treatment group despite the decreasing trend in placebo group, which was statistically significant between the two groups (P Interaction=0.019, 95% confidence intervals=15.076–171.324). No serious side effects were reported. Conclusion: Using chamomile syrup as a complementary therapy in children with leukemia could improve their immunity (as it increased WBC) by minimizing chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.

Objective: Golnar product is a poly herbal formulation advised by Persian medicine to control heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of this product with placebo in patients with HMB. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 100 women with HMB were randomly assigned into two groups. The patients in the Golnar group (n=50) took Golnar capsules 500 mg three times a day for the first 7 days of menstrual cycle for three cycles. The placebo group (n=50), took placebo capsules in the same manner. The duration and volume of bleeding (using Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart: PBAC), quality of life (using Menorrhagia Questionnaire: MQ), and hemoglobin level (Hb) were measured 3 months after initiation of the intervention. Results: Eighty-two patients (43 in the Golnar and 39 in the placebo groups) completed the 3-month intervention period. In the Golnar group, PBAC score decreased from 201.62 (144.11) to 109.44 (69.57) (p<0.001) and MQ score improved significantly from 0.58 (0.27) to 0.39 (0.31) (p<0.001), while changes in placebo group were not significant. Hb increased in the Golnar group from 12.78±0.98 to 12.97±0.95 mg/dl (p=0.048) and decreased in the placebo group from 12.94±1.08 to 12.44±1.01mg/dl (p<0.001). No significant adverse effects were found in the Golnar group. Conclusion: The Golnar product can be considered an effective intervention for patients with HMB. Assessment of side-effects is suggested to be performed in a larger sample. In addition, a comparison between the Golnar product and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs could be valuable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Tension-type headache is the most frequent type of headache. Considering the effectiveness of Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) in treatment of some types of headache, the effect of valerian root was studied in patients with tension-type headache. Materials and Methods: The current study is a double-blind randomized clinical trial that was conducted in Shams Hospital of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, from January to June 2018. We included 88 participants with tensiontype headache and randomly assigned them to intervention and control group by block randomization in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group received Sedamin® capsule (530 mg of valerian root extraction) while the placebo group received 500 mg of breadcrumbs both given as two capsules daily for a month-after dinner. The headache impact on activity of daily livings performance, headache disability, and headache severity were measured using questionnaires in baseline and one month after intervention in both groups. Results: The average age (±SD) of the participants was 34.9 (±8.7) years old. After one month, the impact of headache on daily livings performance, significantly reduced in intervention group (mean=51.2) versus the placebo (mean=57.0), (p<0.001). There was a significant reduction in disability in intervention group (mean=22.9) compared to the placebo (mean=27.4) (p<0.001) and the severity score showed significant reductions in intervention group (mean=3.5) versus the placebo group (mean=5.1) (p<0.001). Conclusion: The present trial showed that valerian capsule could reduce the headache impact on daily livings performance, disability and severity of tension-type headache. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia is one of the main side effects of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment. In this trial, we evaluated the efficacy of chamomile in management of neutropenia. Materials and Methods: This randomized triple-blind placebocontrolled clinical trial was carried out in 2-18-year-old children with ALL. Participants in each group daily received 2.5 ml of either chamomile syrup or placebo syrup for a period of 30 days. Participants' white blood cell (WBC), and absolute neutrophil count (ANC), as well as their quality of life were evaluated. Results: The study was completed with a total of 40 patients. An increasing trend of ANC was observed in the treatment group despite the decreasing trend in placebo group, which was statistically significant between the two groups (P Interaction=0.019, 95% confidence intervals=15.076-171.324). No serious side effects were reported. Conclusion: Using chamomile syrup as a complementary therapy in children with leukemia could improve their immunity (as it increased WBC) by minimizing chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In Persian medicine (PM), wet-cupping therapy (WCT) is the most utilized approach. WCT is mostly done between the shoulders, which is referred to as "hejamt-e-aam" in the Persian language. CD4+T cells also refer to T helper lymphocytes play a critical role in the immune system. Naïve CD4+ T cells differentiate into at least four subsets, T helper 1 (Th1), T helper 2 (Th2), T helper 17 (Th17), and T regulatory (Treg) cells. The master regulator controlling each subset have been defined as follows, Tbet (Th1), Gata3 (Th2), RORγt (Th17), FoxP3 (Treg). The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of WCT and dry-cupping therapy (DCT) on the ratios of Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 in healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: Participants were divided randomly into two groups of 41 men in the WCT group and 40 men in the DCT group. Blood was taken, before, one and four weeks after the intervention. RNA was extracted from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the expression of T-bet, GATA-3, RORγt, and Foxp3 genes were determined by using SYBR green RT-PCR technique. Results: The results showed that WCT increased the expression ofGATA-3, RORγt, and Foxp3 transcription factor genes (p=0.009, p=0.001, and p=0.021, respectively). Although in the WCT group, the ratio of Foxp3/RORγt increased (p=0.048), but the ratio of Tbet/GATA-3 (Th1/Th2) decreased (p=0.971). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that WCT may regulate the T subsets of lymphocyte and reduce inflammation. [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]

Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a recurrent nature. Treatment of this disorder takes long due to patients' non-compliance and its severe side effects. Traditional Persian medicine (TPM) is an ancient medical system dating back to 6000 years ago, originating from Persian regions, the most important of which was Iran. This research is designated to determine the treatments and natural remedies that ancient Iranian scientists have used to treat lesions described with symptoms close to common modern psoriasis. One of the complexities of using TPM known diseases is describing and finding the current medical problems in the traditional medicine manuscripts. Materials and Methods: In this study, using TPM treatment books such as, Tebb-e- akbary, Exir-e-azam, Moalejat-e-Aghili and Alhavy, the symptoms of psoriasis were matched with diseases that were described with similar symptoms as psoriasis, such as Bahaq-e- asvad, baras-e- asvad, saafe, Guba. Search for herbal remedies was done using the keywords found in the main TPM manuscripts, especially in remedy (Mofradat) and treatment (Moalejat) TPM books. Herbs mentioned for different TPM keywords were investigated for effects on psoriasis. Searches were performed in the digital libraries and databases with the keywords including "Psoriasis", "keratinocytes", "inflammation" and "Skin disorder" without time limit. Results: According to Iranian humoral medical system, we introduced categorized lists of causes of diseases and the treatments used including mineral and herbal remedies and combinations used orally and topically and advises regarding lifestyle modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Oligomenorrhea is the most common menstrual disorder, defined as the prolongation of menstrualinterval.Various factors, including endocrine and systemic causes and emotional, nutritional and physical stressors affect this disorder. Nowadays, this disorder is more prevalent due to change in lifestyle.Also, its complications, including abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, hirsutism and psycho-social consequences resulting from them, reduce the quality of life for girls and young women of reproductive age and increase the burden of disease. The treatment of oligomenorrhea is mainly based on hormone therapy. Materials and Methods: In this review, the main texts of Persian medicine were investigated, using words associated with oligomenorrhea. Results: In Persian medicine, oligomenorrhea is referred to as "Ehtebastams".Treatment is based on the etiology and semiology, and accordingly different treatment strategies have been proposed. In this medical system, the principles of treatment are lifestyle modification, nutrition and sleep pattern improvement, exercise, and bathing. In addition, numerous medicinal herbs are presented as «Moderheyz»or «Modertams»(emmenagogue), which generally have warm temperament and often are Mosakhen (warmer), Molattef (softener), Mofatteh (dilator), or Moraqeq (diluent) and can be used alone or combined in various forms. In some cases cupping and phlebotomy are recommended as a treatment method as well. Conclusion: It is necessary to carry out clinical trials to evaluate the therapeutic approach of Persian medicine in oligomenorrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Although the term "depression" has not been literally discussed in the Persian medical manuscripts, it could be matched with a variety of disorders described in those texts. The popular approach to etiology and management of depression among the untaught traditional practitioners is often based on a reductionistic method which counts depression merely as the outcome of humoral imbalances especially melancholic dystemperament, and consequently leads to improper handling of depression. This study aimed to analyze this approach critically and investigate the etiology of depression from the perspective of Persian medicine. Materials and Methods: In this review, the reliable manuscripts of Persian medicine searched for statements in relation to depression. Then the textual findings analyzed, categorized and interpreted according to match depression and its bio-psychological causes comparatively. Results: According to the literature of Persian medicine, depression could be caused by several factors. Somatic-derived types of Depression could be caused primarily by organic dystemperaments especially in heart and brain, or might be due to quantitative/ qualitative/ substantial changes in humors or in subtle bodily structures called medical spirits. Also, depression might be secondary to temperamental or structural disorders in organs such as uterus, intestines and visceral membranes. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, depression can be caused by a wide range of corporal disorders. Contrary to the common misunderstanding, depression is not always due to the melancholic dystemperament. Therefore, comprehensive recognition of the etiology of depression is necessary for accurate diagnosis and proper medical handling through natural cures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: according to the classification of knowledge in the ancient wisdom, music is one of the branches of mathematics. Some sage physicians believed it as a necessary knowledge in medical education and training. Famous philosophers and physicians, such as Farabi and Ibn Sina, authored professional books and treatises about the theoretical and practical principles of music and its instruments, and some other like Qotb-al-din shirazi, was a proficient lute player. Teachings about medical applications of instrumental and vocal music appear in different types of manuscripts including medical literature, music treatises, mystical essays, and also in the ethnic traditions of Persian people. This study aimed to review the principles of music therapy in health and sickness states based on Persian medicine. Materials and Methods: In this review, different sources including literature of Persian medicine, manuscripts on music, mystical texts, and official reports on ethnic musical traditions were searched. The textual findings were analyzed, classified and interpreted in order to categorize the medical usages of music, and also to discover the main principles and rules of music therapy from the Persian medicine perspective. Results: According to the sources, music could play a pivotal role in maintaining physical health and treatment of some physical and mental ailments. Any medical approach to music should conform to certain rules, and several considerations should be concerned such as the compatibility of rhythms, melodies, and lyric content in accordance with the temperament and biopsychological characteristics of listeners, especially the states of the heart and brain. Conclusion: Despite the changes in the configuration of Persian music, and physical alterations of music instruments in the recent centuries, we could discover new guidelines to apply the current Persian music in health promotion and treatment of some diseases. Therefore, it is recommended that further comparative and interdisciplinary studies be conducted in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]