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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]

Introduction: Historically, education is the prominent part of medical systems of different cultures. It has been surveyed in some cultures. In this study, we tried to uncover educational practices applied and present a sketch of medical education in ancient Persia (from beginning to 637 AD) based on the available evidence. Methods: In this study, old Persian scripts and other written documents like Avesta, Dinkerd, histories of Herodotus and Cyropedia and also recent literature were studied tocome up with a sketch of medical education in ancient Persia. Results: The pattern of medical education in ancient Persia was presented based on (a) handwriting- a principle for education, (b) public education in ancient Persia, (c) schools of medicine in Persia, (d) organizations and medical centers; and (e) medical fields. Conclusion: The importance of knowledge and education among ancient Persians can be observed even in their early childhood education.This attention to education ,and especially to medical education, has been an important key feature of Persian culture and its dynamic civilization. [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]

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]

Objectives: Today the term cosmeceutical refers to substances that possess cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. This concept was introduced hundreds of years ago in 'Baab e zinat', the last chapter of traditional Iranian medicine (TIM) treatises. One class of preparations which were designed specifically to cover scars and pigmentation problems of the skin was called 'Sabgh'. In this study we investigated Sabgh formulations in TIM and the possibility of their utilization by modern industries. Materials and Methods: The terms Sabgh and Sabigh (plural form) were searched in twelve of the famous TIM books. The ingredients were identified through the descriptions in the traditional Iranian treatises. Their cosmeceutical effects were searched in traditional books and electronic databases. The possibility of the industrial use of these ingredients was further investigated based on their availability and safety. Results: A total of 43 formulations were found. There were 52 herbal, 18 mineral and 10 animal-derived ingredients. Some of these ingredients could be used today by cosmeceutical industries. However there are components with known toxicities which have limitations in dermatological use. Conclusion: In the skin-care market, cosmeceuticals are the fastest growing segment. However this concept is not new in TIM. 'Baab e zinat' represents hundreds of preparations which were formulated for their therapeutic and cosmetic effects by ancient scholars. The availability and safety of these ingredients according to today's standards should be investigated. TIM books could be a valuable source for natural cosmeceutical formulations and or ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pivotal role of plaster of Paris (POP) cast as an immobilization tool to promote healing in complex and/or other types of fractures is irrefutable. We dearly know that Antonius Mathysen extensively applied plaster cast during Crimea and/or other wars and reportedly saved thousands of lives. However, the exact origin of using POP in orthopedic cast is yet to be clear. In his famous report from Bandar-e Rig, a city in Iran, William Eton paved the way for the conclusion that POP cast might have originated from the Persian Empire. In this paper, we provide more supporting evidences which make the aforementioned claim more probable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Familiarizing students with knowledge-based businesses is one of the goals emphasized in the developed educational systems worldwide. This study aimed to design a startup-based learning model )SBL(. Methods: As a qualitative research study, startup teams were formed by the pharmacy students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2020. This model was used to train 120 students as pharmaceutical entrepreneurs through related lectures, simulations, and field activities. We employed this model for students to become familiar with the various stages of examining market needs, knowledge-based company registration, intellectual property, logo design, and even pharmaceutical product development. Students' feedback was assessed with a questionnaire designed by the team of researchers, and its results were used to analyze the course and improve the quality of the proposed model. Results: Most of the studied indices revealed that the students rated this model as good or excellent. Satisfaction with more important indices includes student creativity and ideation in educational activity (60.7%), attractive presentation (60.4%), teamwork among learners (62.2%), appropriateness of evaluation method (65.4%), understanding how to make herbal remedies (49.1%), learner participation in the educational activity (74.8%), entrepreneurial motivation (60.7%), and applicability (64.4%). Conclusion: We found this model effective in boosting students' satisfaction, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Lecturers also play a facilitator role in addition to specialized training. Therefore, in this model, both lecturers and students can grow more and make education more attractive. This study, for the first time, demonstrated that SBL could be applied in education systems and make the students more interested in educational content and help them to prepare for the job market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perineal pain is a major morbidity in the first few days after delivery. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dry cupping therapy and acupressure at BL23 point on the intensity of postpartum perineal pain based on the short-form of McGill pain questionnaire (SMPQ). Methods: The present clinical trial was conducted on 150 subjects in 3 groups of 50 cases. After at least 4-8 hr of delivery, cupping therapy was performed for 15-20 min up to 3 times a week (once a day) and acupressure was performed for 15-20 min based on clockwise model. The short-form of McGill pain questionnaire was completed both before and after the intervention. The SPSS statistical software was used to analyze the data using repeated measures ANOVA. Besides, p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In the cupping therapy group, mean of the perineal pain intensity reduced from 37.5±6.8 before the intervention to 11.1±6.1, 6.9±4.7, and 3.8±3.6 immediately, 24 hr, and 2 weeks after the intervention, respectively. The results of study showed that the differences between the intervention and control groups were statistically significant (p<0.01). Mean difference of the perineal pain intensity in the acupressure group reached from 35.6±8.1 before the intervention to 10.4±5.5 two weeks after the intervention, so the variation between intervention and control groups was statistically significant. Conclusion: The study findings showed that cupping therapy and acupressure reduced perineal pain. Therefore, they may be considered as effective treatments for reducing pain intensity of allowing delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the final hours of pregnancy, uterine contractions cause the foetus to move through the birth canal and leave the mother's body. Haly Abbas (died 982-994 CE), is believed to be the first writer to explain the role of these contractions. However, this concept had in fact been described in the text titled Bab-e-Borzouyeh, written four centuries earlier by the physician Borzouyeh (Perzoes in Latin) as a prologue to his translation of the Indian collection of fables known as the Panchatantra. Because Haly Abbas probably had access to ancient Persian medical texts, the earliest report of uterine contractions may need to be re-attributed to this earlier author. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Orgasmic disorder can create a feeling of deprivation and failure and provide mental problems, incompatibility and marital discord. This study aimed to compare the effects of Elaeagnus angustifolia flower extract and sildenafil citrate on female orgasmic disorder in women in 2013. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 125 women between 18-40 years old who suffered from orgasmic disorder were divided into three E. angustifolia, sildenafil citrate and control groups. The data were gathered using Female Sexual Function Index and through measurement of TSH and prolactin. The first intervention group had to consume 4.5 gr E. angustifolia extract in two divided doses for 35 days and the second one had to use 50 mg sildenafil citrate tablets for 4 weeks one hour before their sexual relationship. However, the control group had to consume the placebo. The data were analyzed using paired t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni post-hoc test and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The frequency of orgasmic disorder before the intervention was 41.5%, 40.5%, and 57.1% in E. angustifolia, sildenafil citrate, and control groups, respectively (p=0.23). However, these measures were respectively 29.3%, 16.7%, and 50% after the intervention (p=0.004). A significant difference between the two groups regarding sexual satisfaction after the intervention (p=0.003) compared to the beginning of the study (p=0.356). Besides, the highest reduction of changes after the intervention (58.82%) was observed in the sildenafil citrate group. Conclusion: Both E. angustifolia extract and sildenafil citrate were effective in reduction of the frequency of orgasmic disorder in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ergh-al-Nassa pill (Hab) is a traditional combination suggested as one of the most effective preparations useful for treatment of sciatica. Although traditional preparations can be applied as new therapeutic drugs for investigations and clinical trials, they need to be reformulated to achieve pharmacopoeial standards for modern medicine. In this research, based on seven traditional Persian pharmacopeias for Ergh-al-NassaHab, nine different molded tablets were reformulated. Each formulation comprised the same amount of colchicum, ginger, aloe and yellow myrobalan fruit. Sweet almond oil had to be added in the maximum amount needed to be absorbed by the yellow myrobalan fruit according to its particle size (30-40 mesh sizes). The studies were performed in order to optimize the formulation process according to the role of three levels in particle size of the herbal ingredients (60-70, 80-100, 100-150 mesh sizes) and three levels of initial water for granulation. The molded tablets were evaluated according to standard quality controls for tablets (mass uniformity, LOD, hardness, friability, and disintegration time at 20 and 30 min). Myrobalan powdered to 30-40 mesh size absorbed the maximum amount of sweet almond oil (1:0.75 w/v). The best formulations occurred when the particle size of colchicum, ginger, and aloe was 60-70 mesh size with an initial moisture content of 0.47 ml per 1g of dried powder. The outcome of this research is a pharmaceutical standardized formulation from the traditional Ergh-al-Nassa pill which can be suggested as a sample drug discovery based on traditional knowledge.

The medical use of earths and minerals is probably as old as the history of mankind. Particular types of clays and earths are still being used worldwide as therapeutic agents in the folk medicine of different countries. From the 19th century, the medicaments included in countries' pharmacopeias whose exact pharmacological activity or the chemistry of their active components was not known gradually decreased in number, despite their popularity among patients. With today's analytical armamentarium it may be time to reconsider returning some of those compounds to pharmacopeias. By using modern techniques in the past two decades, researchers have studied the active components of healing clays and their pharmacological properties. Many of them possess valuable therapeutic properties which could be used in modern medicine in pharmaceutical dosage forms. Our knowledge about the medical substances that our ancestors used through centuries could be used today as an evidence base for further clinical and pharmacological research. One of these substances is Armenian bole. In this work we studied the historical perspective of its therapeutic use in different countries. Also a sample sold in the market in Iran was purchased and X-ray diffraction analysis was performed on it to find out its chemical composition.

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.)

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.)

Callus, suspension, and normal and hairy root cultures of Linum austriacum produced a new arylnaphthalene lignan, 3,4-dimethoxy-3',4'-methylenedioxy-2,7'-cycloligna-7,7'-dieno-9,9'-lactone (1, 0.03-0.73% dry wt), together with justicidin B (2, 0.18-1.69% dry wt). The structure of 1 was established using spectroscopic methods.