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Fritillaria imperialis L. (Fabaceae), commonly known as "Laleh vazhgon", ethnomedicinally utilized in Iranian traditional medicine to treat joint pain, chronic daily headaches, and back pain. To investigate the antinociceptive, anti-neuropathic, and anti-migraine activities of Fritillaria imperialis bulbs essential oil (FIEO) as well as to uncover the potential mechanisms of action involved. The antinociceptive activity of FIEO and its main constituent, Verticinone (Vt), was assessed using the formalin-induced paw licking assay. The potential mechanisms of antinociception were investigated through various antagonists. Additionally, their antineuropathic activity was examined using the cervical spinal cord contusion (CCS) technique and the possible role of Stat3 was evaluated using Western blot analysis. The nitroglycerin-induced model (NTG) was also employed for the evaluation of migraine. FIEO demonstrated significant antinociceptive activity in both phases of the formalin-induced test. However, the FIEO activity was more pronounced effect observed in the second phase. Modulators of the NO-cGMP-K+ channel pathway significantly reversed the antinociceptive activity of FIEO (P < 0.05). Additionally, antagonists of TRPV1, PPARα, dopamine D1, GABA A , and δ-opioid receptors also significantly reversed the antinociceptive effects of FIEO (P < 0.05). In a separate study, both FIEO and Vt were found to attenuate hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia (P < 0.01) when evaluated using the CCS-induced pain model. Furthermore, FIEO may alleviate migraine behaviors, likely related to the regulation of NO and CGRP levels. FIEO exerts an antineuropathic effect through the phosphorylation of Stat3. Furthermore, the antinociceptive activity is partially modulated via the NO-cGMP-K+ channel pathway, as well as the activation of TRPV, PPAR, opioid, and GABA receptors. Vt may be involved in the antinociceptive, antineuropathic, and antimigraine activities induced by FIEO. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In traditional Persian medicine (TPM), people often use herbal infusions as a dosage form to treat diseases related to hyperglycemia, known as 'dam-kardeh'. Traditionally, herbal preparations of Eryngium bungei Boiss. (E. b), Tragopogon buphthalmoides (DC.) Boiss. (T. b), Salvia hydrangea DC. ex Benth. (S. h), and Juniperus polycarpos K. Koch. (J. p) are used to manage diabetes in Iran. However, there is no evidence of their effectiveness in controlling glucose levels and their mechanisms remain unclear. Aim of the study: This study aimed to investigate whether traditional doses of plant infusions can have hypoglycemic and/or anti-hyperglycemic effects during fasting and/or postprandial states and establish the basis for future research on their potential mechanisms of action. The effects of traditional doses of herbal extracts on blood glucose levels in STZ-NA-induced hyperglycemic rats were investigated in 2-h acute tests during fasting and postprandial states (with a glucose load). In addition, the potential inhibitory effect in vitro of enzymes involved in relevant pathways, such as gluconeogenesis (fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, FBPase and glucose-6-phosphatase, G6Pase), carbohydrate breakdown (intestinal α-glucosidases), and insulin sensitivity (protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, PTP-1B) was evaluated. Acute toxicity tests were carried out and HPLC-SQ-TOF was used to analyze the chemical profiles of the plant extracts. In the fasting state, T. b, S. h , and E. b were as effective as glibenclamide in lowering blood glucose levels in hyperglycemic rats. Moreover, all three suppressed G6Pase and FBPase enzymatic activity by 90–97% and 80–91%, respectively. On the other hand, significant postprandial hypoglycemic efficacy was observed for E. b , S. h , and T. b. Based on the AUC values, T. b caused a reduction comparable to the therapeutic efficacy of repaglinide. When investigating the possible mechanisms of action involved in this activity, E. b , S. h , and T. b showed significant inhibition of PTP-1B in vitro (>70%). Finally, all plant extracts showed no signs of acute toxicity. Several compounds that may contribute to biological activities were identified, including phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosides. The present study supports the traditional use of T. b , E. b and S. h for the control of diabetes in the fasting and postprandial state. Moreover, these plants were found to be rich in bioactive compounds with hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activities. On the other hand, J. p , showed a modest effect only in the fasting state and after 90 min. Further studies are needed to expand these results by analyzing the chemical composition and using complementary experimental models. [Display omitted] • Eryngium bungei , Tragopogon buphthalmoides , and Salvia hydrangea regulated blood glucose levels in hyperglycemic rats. • All extracts showed no signs of acute toxicity. • The extracts suppressed the enzymatic activity of G6Pase, FBPase, and PTP-1B in vitro as possible mechanisms of action. • Phenolic acid and flavonoid glycosides were identified by HPLC-SQ-TOF as the major compounds in three extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen is the male reproductive dust of palm flowers known as a natural product that is considered a strong stimulant of sexual potency and fertility in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM). In this regard, no evidence-based medications are empirically prescribed to treat IMI. However, applying traditional medicine for the treatment of male infertility has attracted more attention in recent years. Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen was compared with pentoxifylline (PTX) to evaluate its efficacy on sperm parameters. During this parallel randomized controlled trial, 80 adult men with asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, or teratozoospermia (age 20–35 years) were enrolled. In two separate groups of participants with a 1:1 ratio, participants received either 6 g of Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen powder daily or 400 mg of PTX tablets daily for 90 days. We measured the sperm parameters as well as the serum sex hormones in the sample. ANCOVA and t-tests were used to compare groups. There was no significant difference between the study groups in terms of baseline characteristics or demographic characteristics. According to the results, participants who took Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen powder had significantly improved sperm concentration (p = 0.016), morphology (p = 0.029), sperm counts (p = 0.012), progressive motility (p = 0.016), total motility (p = 0.018), and reduced immotile sperms (p = 0.014) compared to those who took PTX. In light of these results, Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen is recommended as a treatment factor for ameliorating IMI by enhancing sperm functional capacity and semen parameters. [Display omitted] • This study is a parallel randomized controlled trial. • 80 adult men with asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, teratozoospermia were enrolled. • Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen is a therapeutic factor to improve IMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zataria multiflora is employed as an antitussive, anti-spasmodic, analgesic and etc. Agent in traditional medicine. The modern medical studies are also confirmed effects of this plant for treatment of respiratory problems via anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory properties. We evaluated efficacy of Z. multiflora on tests of pulmonary function, respiratory symptoms, inhaled bronchodilator drugs use, and hematological factors in COPD patients. Patients (n = 45) were randomly grouped in the following three groups: placebo group (P), groups received Z. multiflora extract 3 and 6 mg/kg/day (Z3 and Z6). FEV 1 and MEF 25 - 75 , respiratory symptoms, inhaled bronchodilator drugs use and hematological factors were evaluated before and 1–2 months after treatment. Z. multiflora led to significant enhancement of FEV 1 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). Respiratory symptoms were also considerably ameliorated following treatment with extracts for 1 and 2 months compared to baseline values (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). In groups received extract, inhaled bronchodilator drugs use was remarkably declined at the end of study (both, p < 0.05). Reduction of total WBC was observed 1–2 months after treatment in treated groups with extract compared to baseline values (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Neutrophils were remarkably declined in Z3 and Z6 groups after 2-monthes compared to 1-month treatment (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). The evidence show therapeutic effect of this herb on COPD patients which could be result from properties that help to decrease inflammation. [Display omitted] • Zataria multiflora treatment leads to following changes in COPD patients: • Improvement of respiratory symptoms and CAT score. • Increase of FEV 1 value. • Reduction of inhaled bronchodilator drugs use. • Reduction of total WBC and neutrophil counts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lotus corniculatus L. (Fabaceae) traditionally used in Persian folk medicine to heal peritoneal inflammation and back pain. To explore the antinociceptive (acute pain) and anti-neuropathic (chronic pain) activities of Lotus corniculatus leaves essential oil (LCEO) in addition to uncovering the possible mechanisms of antinociception. LCEO as well as the pure oleanolic acid (OA) compound, were assayed for their effects on acute (formalin induced paw licking test or FIPT) and chronic (cervical contusion injury models on the fifth cervical vertebra or CCS; 14-day intervals) pain. The possible involvements of NO-cGMP-K+ channel, TRPV, dopamine, cannabinoid, PPAR, adrenergic, and opioid mechanisms in the antinociceptive activity of LCEO have studied by formalin test. The levels of p53 and inflammatory markers were measured using a streptavidin biotin immune peroxidase complex and ELISA methods, respectively. The LCEO and OA exerted antinociceptive activity in the first-phase of FIPT. Pretreatment with antagonists of TRPV1, dopamine D2, cannabinoid type1 and 2, and NO-cGMP-K+ channel blockers (glibenclamide, L-NAME and methylene blue) attenuated the antinociceptive effect of LCEO in FIPT. In addition, LCEO and OA meaningfully reduced hyperalgesia (days 6–14) and mechanical allodynia (days 2–14) in the CCS model. LCEO suppressed the apoptotic marker (p53) in CCS model and also ameliorated IL-2, TNF-α, and IL-1 in the spinal cord. Finally, LCEO inhibited acute (possibly via the modulation of opioid, TRPV, dopamine, cannabinoid mechanisms as well as NO-cGMP-K+ channel) and chronic pain (via suppressing apoptotic and inflammatory markers) in male rats. The results also suggest that OA has analgesic activity against acute and chronic pain conditions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Cuscuta epithymum (L.) L. (C. epithymum ; Convolvulaceae) is a parasitic plant that has long been used locally and traditionally in Asia, Europe and other regions. Aim of the review The study intends to reflect the significance of the C. epithymum in traditional medicine. This review aims to grant insight into the species' botany, pharmacological activities and phytochemistry with distinctive emphasis on its ethnomedicinal and traditional applications in all over the world. The review endeavors to rule out any inconsistency between the species' traditional application and its pharmacological activity, and presenting any coherence existing. Materials and methods The books on ethnomedicine and the main medieval Persian medicine textbooks including Makhzan Al- Advieh, The canon of medicine, Zakhireh kharazmshahi and etc were explored for C. epithymum. Additionally, information on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, morphology, taxonomy, modern medicinal uses, and pharmacological activities were collected in electronic databases including Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, and PubMed using the keywords " Cuscuta epithymum," "traditional medicine," "ethnomedicine," "phytochemistry," "pharmacology" and "activity." Then, the available articles from 1975 to 2017 were employed for this study. Results C. epithymum is a rootless plant, widely distributed and available in every continent except Antarctica. It was used traditionally in formularies or by rural people and as geriatric drug, detergent, purgative, disorders in the melancholic humor, joint, kidney, urinary tract, gastrointestinal system, nervous system, etc. In modern medicine, the extract of C. epithymum showed anti-microbial, cytotoxic, anticonvulsant, anti-urease, immune stimulatory, hepatoprotective effect, and antioxidant activity. The main phytochemical constituents are alkaloids; saponins; tannins; triterpenoids; steroids; carbohydrates; aromatic compounds; flavonoids and the hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. Conclusion The modern pharmacological studies have validated the traditional and ethnobotanical uses of C. epithymum. However, many aspects of this herb have not been studied yet. In addition, information about the phytochemistry and toxicological profile is insufficient. Owing to the extensive traditional uses of C. epithymum. Hence further studies on pharmacological activities, phytochemistry, and toxicity and adverse effects seem to be necessary to appraise the medicinal values of C. epithymum. Graphical abstract fx1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic sciatica (CS) is a common condition of disability and pain. Lawsonia inermis L. (henna) is a medicinal plant that is commonly recommended in traditional Persian medicine textbooks for pain relief in patients with sciatica, particularly in the form of oil. This research was designed to investigate the efficacy of a topical formulation from henna on pain intensity in patients with CS. In a randomized, double-blind clinical study, 81 patients were randomly allocated to three groups to receive the topical henna formulation (aqueous extract of henna in sesame oil), sesame oil, or placebo, three times daily, for four weeks. The patients were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), 36-item short form health survey (SF-36), and Oswestry disability index (ODI). There was a significant decrease in mean VAS in henna oil compared to sesame oil (p = 0.004) and placebo (p = 0.004). Significant improvements in total SF-36 scores were observed in henna oil and sesame oil compared to placebo (p = 0.011 and p = 0.025, respectively). Furthermore, ODI significantly decreased in henna oil compared to sesame oil (p < 0.001) and placebo (p = 0.005). Henna oil seems to be an effective treatment to reduce pain intensity in patients with CS. Moreover, it improves quality of life and functional ability. Further randomized controlled trials with longer intervention periods are recommended to confirm this efficacy. [Display omitted] • Henna has been frequently cited for pain relief of sciatica in Persian medicine. • The topical henna oil reduced pain intensity in patients with chronic sciatica. • Henna oil improved quality of life and functional ability in chronic sciatica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) due to the novel coronavirus has become the highest priority that threatens human health. This situation demands widespread vaccination and the innovation of new therapeutic methods. Despite drug discoveries, the need for approving new medicaments is felt because of adverse effects and lack of efficacy. Several medicinal plants including Viola odorata L. are recommended in traditional Persian medicine for alleviating respiratory infection symptoms. Recent studies showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-asthmatic, antitussive, analgesic, and antibacterial activities of sweet violet. These enhance respiratory functions, reduce pulmonary inflammation, and decline mucous membrane edema. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sweet violet syrup in alleviating the manifestations of COVID-19 infection. A randomized parallel-group double-blind controlled trial was conducted at Al-Zahra general hospital, Isfahan, Iran. A total of 108 outpatients were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly allocated to intervention and placebo groups, with 54 patients in each group. The allocation was concealed using sealed opaque envelopes. The intervention group received violet syrup and the control group received placebo syrup, an add-on to the conventional treatment. The outcomes were COVID-19 manifestations, such as dyspnea, cough, myalgia, headache, and diarrhea, considered as outcomes of the study and were evaluated twice using a visual analog scale before the intervention and after 7 days, at the end of the study. Patients were followed daily by phone calls to monitor proper drug consumption and possible side effects. No significant difference was between groups regarding demographic characteristics and vital signs before and after the treatment. Although all symptoms have improved significantly in both groups, patients who received violet syrup recovered faster and the mean severity scores of cough (P = 0.025), myalgia (P = 0.036), headache (P = 0.037), and diarrhea (P = 0.044) decreased greater in comparison to control group. This study, the first clinical trial on the effectiveness of Viola odorata on SARS-CoV-2 patients, showed that Viola odorata L. effectively controls prevalent manifestations of COVID-19 including cough, myalgia, headache, and diarrhea. Regarding this survey, the violet syrup can be mentioned as a complementary treatment for viral influenza-like infections in which cough, myalgia, headache, and diarrhea are prominent. [Display omitted] • Viola odorata is recommended in Persian medicine for respiratory infection symptoms. • This study showed that Viola odorata L. is effective in the treatment of COVID-19. • The drug could relieve cough, myalgia, headache, and diarrhea in SARS-CoV-2 patients. • Violet syrup had no side effects in COVID patients. • It seems the drug subsides lung inflammation and reduces the disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantago major (P. major) has traditionally been used in Iranian Persian medicine to treat gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the leaf and seed extracts of P. major in rats with acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). To this end, 49 rats were randomly divided into seven groups. UC was induced in all groups but the control (vehicle) group using a single intra-rectal administration of 2 ml of 4% acetic acid. Other groups received daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of the seed extract of P. major (400 mg/kg and 700 mg/kg), the leaf extract of P. major (400 mg/kg and 700 mg/kg), and sulfasalazine (400 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days, respectively. The rats' rectum was surgically removed and evaluated for macroscopic and microscopic damage. The tissue levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were measured using the ELISA method. The high-dose leaf extract significantly decreased ulcer index and histopathologic damage as well as the tissue levels of IL-6, TNF-α, PGE2, IL-1β, MPO, and MDA compared to the damage group. The low-dose leaf extract also significantly reduced the levels of some markers. The seed extract in the two used doses caused a modest decrease in the histopathological damages and ulcer index. P. major leaf extract effectively reduces inflammation and mucosal damage in rats with UC, especially when administered in high doses. P. major seed extract has minimal protective effects on UC. [Display omitted] • Plantago major leaf extract reduces mucosal damage in rats with ulcerative colitis. • Plantago major leaf extract has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. • The anti-inflammatory activity of Plantago major leaf extract is dose-dependent. • Plantago major seed extract has minimal protective effects in ulcerative colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassia fistula is widely used in traditional Persian Medicine as a mild laxative. The rate of chronic constipation increases above the age of 60. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Cassia fistula syrup (CFS) on geriatric constipation. This clinical trial study was performed on 70 aged patients who were referred to the clinic of gastroenterology of Rouhani Hospital, Babol, North of Iran. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of CFS or Lactulose with a dose of 30 ccs/day. Patients were visited two weeks after entering the study to evaluate the frequency of defecation, feeling of incomplete emptying after defecation, manual maneuver, consistency of stool, and also the quality of life. The frequency of defecation per week varied from 1.82 ± 1.16 to 8.36 ± 3.44 in the CFS group after 2 weeks of intervention that was significantly more than the Lactulose that changed from 2.16 ± 1.46 to 5.66 ± 2.96 (P-value = 0.023, partial eta square = 0.079, NNT = 4). The quality of life, the percent of straining, lumpy or hard stool, pain during defecation, and the consistency of stool based on VAS were significantly better in the CFS group. The sensation of incomplete defecation, anorectal obstruction, and manual maneuvering were not different significantly between groups. CFS can be more effective than Lactulose on geriatric constipation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ustukhuddus Alavi is a polyherbal formula which is introduced by Persian medicine scholars. It is traditionally used to treat brain disorders and is claimed to do so by preprocessing and cleansing the waste products from the brain. According to Persian medicine, the disposal of brain waste products is necessary for optimal cognitive performance. Sustaining optimal cognitive performance is crucial for ideal quality of life and higher academic achievements in high school students. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of this multi-component herbal product on the cognitive performance and salivary cortisol levels of adolescent female students. The effect of a 6-week randomly assigned Ustukhuddus Alavi versus placebo administration on cognitive performance was assessed by the paced auditory serial addition test (PASAT) at the baseline and after the 3- and 6-week intake of Ustukhuddus Alavi or placebo and the one-month follow-up in 86 healthy female high school students in grades 10 and 11. Additionally, we measured the levels of salivary cortisol of the students pre- and post-intervention. Significant mean difference between the Ustukhuddus Alavi and placebo groups in three of the paced auditory serial addition test (PASAT) subscales, namely mental health (p-value = 0.006), sustained attention (p-value = 0.001) and mental fatigue (p-value = 0.001), were observed after six weeks. We also found a significant difference between the mean salivary cortisol level of the two groups after the intervention (p-value = 0.047). These findings reveal that the intake of the multi-ingredient herbal product Ustukhuddus Alavi for six weeks can be helpful for cognitive function and cortisol levels in female high school students. These positive effects seem to be related to the increase in sustained attention and the decrease in mental fatigue. [Display omitted] • The multi-ingredient herbal product Ustukhuddus Alavi can be helpful for cognition. • Ustukhuddus Alavi can enhance three scales of paced auditory serial addition test. • Ustukhuddus Alavi can increase sustained attention and decrease mental fatigue. • Ustukhuddus Alavi can control the cortisol levels in high school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]