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Avicenna's historical insights on digestive health and dermatological symptoms' interrelationship, mainly nocturnal itching, are examined here. In his Canon of Medicine, Avicenna explains a deep relationship between the digestive system and the skin, pointing out that effective waste elimination via the skin is vital for overall wellness. The discussion highlights the significant impact of nocturnal itching on patients with inflammatory skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and chronic urticaria, in studying the roles of skin barrier function and hormonal fluctuations. Furthermore, modern scientific research on the gut-skin axis is integrated to illustrate the continued relevance of Avicenna's therapeutic recommendations, such as addressing internal imbalances, body cleansing, and topical therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persian Medicine, which flourished in the Islamic Golden Age (9th to 12th century AD), considers the human body a unified whole whose organs are in constant interaction and equilibrium with each other. The skin is one of these interdependent organs that play an important role in protecting internal organs, and as an excretion route, it can expel substances that are not consumed by the body. Alternatively, the uterus, a vital organ in pregnancy, excretes excess body material during menstruation to maintain a woman’s health. This narrative study discussed the importance of aligning the structure and function of these two organs based on the main textbooks of Persian Medicine, especially those written during this historical period. Likewise, electronic databases were used for investigating related articles The skin and uterus are two excretory organs. When the secretion of excess material through menstruation is physiologically or pathologically impaired, the body transfers these substances to the skin as the organ associated with the uterus. Thus, the clinical manifestations of some skin diseases can be a sign of imbalance in the function of the uterus and its related organs. Consequently, the structural and functional similarities of both organs can provide a new guide in the approach to their participatory diseases in the integration of Persian and conventional medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Ziziphus jujuba (jujube) is a plant with a long history of consumption as a fruit and a medicinal plant, which has various pharmacological effects. This plant has been widely used in traditional Persian medicine (TPM) and modern phytotherapy. Therefore, the overarching goal of this research was to review the nutritional and pharmacological properties of this valuable plant. Materials and Methods: The relevant keywords were used to search different databases containing the new findings as well as the old textbooks, and several articles on Z. jujuba, its effects, and its benefits were extracted. Results: First, the descriptions of Z. jujuba in the books on traditional medicine were reviewed with regard to the experiences of past physicians. Next, the new findings reported by scientists about the pharmacological effects of Z. jujuba and its active ingredients were presented. Z. jujuba has had numerous uses in the course of history. Considering the definitions provided in the traditional medical books and the modern applications of Ziziphus jujuba, there were close relationships among some of the findings, while for some of the effects described in traditional books there is no similar account in the classical medical books. Conclusions: Jujube has been used for the treatment of some diseases throughout the history. Hence, since this plant is native to different parts of Iran, research centers are recommended to use the state-of-the-art technology to summarize the effects of jujube and its socioeconomic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Constipation is a common complaint during pregnancy. Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) has some recommendations for this complaint. In this study, treatments of constipation in pregnancy have been presented and their efficacy and safety evidence from modern literature were reviewed. Materials and Methods: Treatments were identified based upon sources related to health protection of pregnant women in ITM literature. Then, a literature search was performed in the scientific databases covering articles published up to March 2014. Articles focusing on safety or efficacy of the selected herbs during animal or human pregnancy were selected. Results: Folus (Cassia fistula), Shir-khesht (Cotoneaster nummularia Fisch.), Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), Taranjabin (Alhagi camelorum), Damask rose (Rosa damascene) and almond oil are the most recommended medications for constipation in pregnant women. For all of these herbs, there is some efficacy evidence in animal or human studies. Folus is forbidden during pregnancy due to its anthraquinones ingredients. Shir-Khesht was deemed safe in a study on treatment of constipation in pregnant women. The efficacy of the rest of the above herbs has not been evaluated for constipation during pregnancy. There is limited evidence to provide safe advice for consuming these herbs for constipation during pregnancy. Conclusion: Although there are some animal and human studies suggesting the laxative effect of ITM interventions, their safety is not sufficiently documented in modern literature. Scientific studies regarding these herbal remedies during pregnancy are warranted to determine safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]