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Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common pulmonary diseases. The current therapeutic outcomes are not satisfactory and may cause adverse events such as cardiovascular complications. In this study, we aimed to discuss some effective medicinal herbs for the management of COPD. Materials and Methods: In this review, we looked for effective medicinal herbs for productive cough with thick and sticky mucus in Persian medicine sources such as Qanoon fi al-Teb, Exir Azam, and Zakhire Kharazmshahi. Then, to find relevant evidence about them, the data sources (PubMed and Google Scholar) were searched in the English language without time restriction from inception up to March 2022. Results: We found that Zataria multiflora, Thymus vulgaris L, Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Crocus sativus L., Nepeta bracteata Benth., and Hyssopus officinalis have beneficial effects on COPD due to their properties including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. In addition, considering asthma COPD overlap (ACO), medicinal herbs including Cordia myxa, Adiantum capillus-veneris, Cinnamomum verum, Viola odorata, Borago officinalis, Linum usitatissimum and Vitis viniferia L. were found to have useful effects on asthma. Conclusion: Considering the mentioned beneficial mechanisms of action of these medicinal herbs, they could be used as a complementary therapy in COPD and asthma. However, more experimental and clinical research should be done to confirm their clinical effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastric disorders are one of the most common human ailments, which impose a huge economic burden on countries. In Persian Medicine (PM), it is possible to predict the susceptibility to gastric diseases with diagnosis of gastric Mizajes (temperaments) and dystemperaments. The semiology of gastric dystemperaments has been investigated in PM textbooks, although the value of each sign and symptom is not mentioned. Consequently, this research is designed to determine the major and minor criteria for classifying gastric dystemperaments on the basis of valid manuscripts and with the help of PM specialists in the present era. Methods: This was a consensus-based study consisting of four phases. In the first phase, reference PM textbooks were studied. Symptoms and signs of gastric dystemperaments were collected and listed in four groups. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews with a sample of PM experts were carried out. Phase three included a focused group discussion with experts. Eventually, findings were integrated from the three study phases in a two-day meeting in Sari City. Results: Selected criteria included eight major and eight minor criteria for hot-cold dystemperament, as well as six major and eight minor criteria for wet-dry gastric dystemperament. Conclusion: Modern lifestyles and the interfering factors are responsible for some changes in diagnostic signs and symptoms according to PM. This was the first step to coordinate PM diagnostic criteria for gastric dystemperaments. Further studies are recommended to reach a unique protocol in the field of PM diagnostics. The next step includes design and validation of national diagnostic tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Cardiovascular disorders are the most common causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Complementary medicine reduces the complications related to cardiovascular disorders while improving the quality of life of patients. The aim of this study was to review the effects of aromatherapy on cardiovascular disorders from the perspectives of Persian and modern medicine. Methods: In this review article, information related to Persian medicine was collected by searching through "Comprehensive Library of Traditional and Islamic Medicine" software (Noor Digital Library) using keywords such as "smelling", "sham", "lakhlakheh", "bakhoor", "heart", and "dill". Additionally, to find clinical trials (1994-2019) related to the effect of aromatherapy on cardiovascular disorders, electronic databases such as ISI, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched using several keywords including "cardiovascular disorder", "heart," "coronary", "cardiovascular disease", "cardiac", "aroma", and "aromatherapy". Results: According to Persian medicine references, the heart is the most important organ and gives life to the whole body. Aromatherapy using odorous herbs such as rose, apple, quince, and saffron helps balance the heart temperament and improve cardiovascular disorders through their cardiotonic, anti-syncope, anti-depressant, and anti-arrhythmic properties. Conclusions: Based on Persian medicine references and recent findings in modern medicine, aromatherapy is an effective approach for relieving cardiovascular disorders. Considering these findings, it is suggested to include aromatherapy as a palliative measure for cardiovascular patients. It is also recommended that more clinical trials derived from Persian medicine references be conducted to value the effectiveness of aromatherapy for treating various cardiovascular ailments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Phlebotomy has been broadly used as an assured and economical technique to tackle soft tissue lesions in ITM (Iranian Traditional Medicine), most Asian countries, Central Europe, and some parts of the US. In this study, phlebotomy was used for the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) that is widely recognized as the most common neuropathy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of phlebotomy on the clinical and diagnostic findings of patients with CTS. Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial. For this analysis, an entire of 70 hands with CTS were studied, aged 20-60, and of every gender. The participants were divided into 2 groups: Control and Intervention. Within the control group, 35 were treated with a routine night splint for 3 months, and 35 patients in the intervention group, were received Fasd (Phlebotomy) of Osailem vein in addition to the routine night splint. The variables of which we evaluated were: pain, symptom severity, functional status, distal median nerve sensory latency, and distal median nerve motor latency. The pain has been evaluating by VAS Scale while the severity of symptoms and functional status of patients were evaluated by the Boston questionnaire, and the distal and motor nerve latency were evaluated through the diagnostic NCV test. Results: The results of the study demonstrated an incontestable improvement in symptom severity (p=0/0001) and functional status [Significant treatment effects for the Boston CTS-score (p=.0007)]. Additionally a serious decrease in Median nerve entrapment with NCV (p=0.015) of the intervention group in comparison with the control one. Pain severity of CTS symptoms (VAS), was also reduced significantly from 61.5 ± 20.5 mm to18.9 ± 15.7 mm after 3 months in the phlebotomy group and from 67.1 ± 20.2 mm to 52.7 ± 21.8 mm in the control group [group difference-33.8 mm (p<0.001). Conclusions: The results showed that the incorporation of phlebotomy (Fasd) treatment in an exceedingly routine therapy program would reduce the pain and symptom severity, improve the functional status of patients, and distal sensory and motor disturbance of the median nerve. Therefore, it is advised that phlebotomy (Fasd), as a convenient and low-cost complementary medicine technique could be employed within the treatment of CTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Excessive belching is a common complaint that may be observed alone or with other diseases such as indigestion and reflux. In addition, it has adverse effects on patients' social life. Due to the insufficient evidence regarding the successful treatment of this disorder, the present study reviewed the medical views of Avicenna in order to find a better solution in this regard. Methods: This literature review was done by searching for "belching" and its MeSH heading term, namely, "eructation" in databases such as Google scholar and Pub Med and their synonyms in Iranian traditional medicine "Josha" in Avicenna's "Canon of Medicine". Results: The definition of belching in modern medicine was the same as "Josha" but its classifications and treatments were different. Modern scientists have divided excessive belching into gastric and supragastric based on its source although Avicenna classified it into three kinds based on its smell. In recent studies, specialists have come to a link between the brain and the stomach due to the inadequacy of their therapies while Avicenna has along pointed out the relationship between belching and certain organs. He further recommended three main approaches for its treatment, including lifestyle modification, herbal medicines, and physical manipulations. Conclusions: In general, considering the lack of effective treatment for excessive belching, it is important to present a better classification and management. This might be possible with regard to Avicenna's "Canon of Medicine". Thus, clinical trials are suggested to assess the efficacy of Avicenna's recommendations as a complementary method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM), named Ziabites in Persian medicine (PM), was categorized as hot or cold Ziabites according to the Mizaj of patients. This study aimed to compare the Mizaj of patients with newly diagnosed type 1 DM (T1DM) with chronic cases and healthy children. Materials and Methods: In a case--control study, three groups including chronic T1DM patients (n = 31), newly diagnosed T1DM patients (n = 37), and healthy children as the control group (n = 80) were recruited. Mojahedi Mizaj Questionnaire was used to measure two subscales, hot/cold and wet/dry, of Mizaj for participants. The mean scores of the Mizaj subscales were compared between the groups. Cutoff values were determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis, and the corresponding odds ratio (OR) for each subscale was identified. Results: Overall 148 participants, with a mean age of 10.0 ± 6.2 years, were enrolled in the study. Analysis showed that the mean total heat and total dryness scores were significantly higher in new T1DM than that of chronic patients and healthy children (19.59 ± 1.7 vs. 16.6 ± 2.1 and 18.17 ± 1.9, P < 0.001 for hot/cold and 4.70 ± 1.0 vs. 4.09 ± 0.9 and 4.31±0.8, P = 0.02 for wet/dry). "Extra heat" based on the cutoff value of >18.5 was found to be a risk factor for T1DM (OR = 3.62, 95% confidence interval = 1.52-8.63). Conclusion: New T1DM patients have higher frequency of hot and dry Mizaj, which is consistent with the concept of hot Ziabites in PM. Most importantly, we found that "extra heat" in children can be considered as a risk factor for T1DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Anxiety is among the most prevalent psychological disorders induced by myocardial infarction. Traditional medicinal herbs have long been used to reduce anxiety. Avicenna was the first physician in the world who referred to the inotropic effects of Melissa officinalis as a fragrant herb. In addition, he emphasized the strengthening effects of this herb on the heart, nerves, and brain with exhilarating effects. Further, M. officinalis plays a role in removing nightmares, phobias, and palpitations. Accordingly, the present study assessed the effectiveness of aromatherapy using M. officinalis in alleviating anxiety in cardiac patients. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 96 patients who were equally assigned into 2 groups on a quasi-random basis. The case group underwent aromatherapy in the CCU as a cotton patch measuring 15 * 15 cm soaked in three drops of M. officinalis extract and attached to their collar for 30 minutes twice a day during 3 successive days. However, the same treatment pattern was followed by the control group while they only received odorless sesame oil on a similar cotton patch attached to their collar. Furthermore, the patients completed the Spielberger anxiety questionnaire before the intervention, on the second day after the second phase of aromatherapy, and immediately after completion of the intervention. The data were analyzed using independent t test. Results: Based on the findings, no statistically significant difference was observed in the mean total scores of anxiety between the 2 groups at pretest and during the treatment (P = 0.05). However, there was a significant difference between the mean total scores of anxiety in both groups at the post-test (P = 0.05). Conclusions: In general, aromatherapy with M. officinalis extract reduced anxiety in cardiac patients. This method, as one branch of complementary medicine, can exert positive effects on diminishing the anxiety of cardiac patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Kidney stone is a prevalent disorder in different populations. According to statistics, 5-10% of people are diagnosed with this disorder. Kidney stones have a long history of occurrence. In the manuscripts of traditional medicine, specific chapters were written regarding the incidence of kidney stones and their treatment. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted by reviewing reliable sources of traditional medicine about the incidence of kidney stones. Content analysis was performed to find the related data about the emergency treatment of kidney stones, and the results were presented in algorithms. Results: In this study, treatment of kidney stones in emergency situations involving renal colic is explained through different stages according to the guidelines of traditional medicine. If the implementation of each stage results in successful outcome, there is no need for continuing the treatment to the next level. In the primary approach, the patient should be evaluated in terms of the presence or absence of blood domination, constipation and nausea. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, emergency treatment of kidney stones mainly aims to reduce pain in the patients. At the first encounter, this could be achieved by the use of analgesics and sedative drugs. Moreover, decompression of the stone from nerve endings, moving the stone and material deviation are among the common principles used for the treatment of kidney stones in the traditional medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a common chronic kidney disorder during childhood. The most important characteristic of this disease is proteinuria. The Persian medicine (PM) has important dietary recommendations for strengthening the kidney function and treatment of this disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a diet including PM recommendations and general principles of Western medicine., Materials and Methods: Twenty children with nephrotic syndrome were randomly divided into intervention and control groups and monitored for one month. The control group received a diet based on the general principles of Western medicine. In the intervention group, in addition to the Western medicine diet, dietary recommendations of PM were also prescribed including the pomegranate ( Cydonia oblonga mill. ), quince ( Cydonia oblonga mill. ), and whole grains (wheat and barley). A 24-hour dietary questionnaire was applied and anthropometric and biochemical indices including spot urine protein (proteinuria), albumin (Alb), urea, creatinine (Cr), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) were measured before and after the study., Results: The amount of protein intake reduced significantly in the diet of both groups but the differences between the two groups were not significant. Proteinuria reduced significantly in both the Western and PM groups; however, proteinuria was significantly lower in the Persian medicine group compared to the control group. TC and Cr levels reduced significantly in the intervention group, although the changes were not significant compared to the control group., Conclusion: The results of this study showed that adding dietary recommendations of the Persian medicine to the general rules of the Western medicine diet reduced proteinuria and improved the combat against nephrotic syndrome., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Alireza Rahmani et al.)