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Objective Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that disrupts the menstrual cycle and causes infertility. Considering the increasing use of medicinal plants, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Teucrium polium L. on letrozole-induced PCOS in female rats. Methods Six groups of rats (n=7 each) were evaluated. The control group received 1% carboxy methyl cellulose as vehicle, while the five other groups received letrozole 1 mg/kg orally for 21 days. After PCOS induction, the rats were orally administered T. polium extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) or metformin (200 mg/kg) for 28 days. Subsequently, body and ovarian weights and serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone were measured. Finally, the ovarian tissues were isolated for histological examination. Results There were no significant changes in weekly body weight in any group. After 21 days of letrozole administration, PCOS induction was confirmed by estrous cycle irregularities and increased LH and testosterone levels. After treatment with the hydroalcoholic extract of T. polium, testosterone and LH levels were significantly reduced in all groups (P more...

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of Jollab monzej (JMZ), a Traditional Persian compound medicine, on multiple sclerosis-related fatigue (MSRF). Methods: We did a double-blind randomized controlled phase3 clinical trial on the JMZ syrup in fifty-six relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients aged 18-55 years with moderate to severe fatigue using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≤ 6. We randomly assigned (1;1) participants to the JMZ syrup or placebo syrup groups treated for one month. Participants, investigators, and assessors were unaware of the assignments. The primary outcome was changes in the fatigue score on the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), at baseline and one month after treatment using the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. The secondary outcomes were changes in the score of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Outcomes were measured at baseline, one month after treatment, and 2-week follow-up. Safety was detected in all participants. Results: We randomly assigned 56 participants to the JMZ group (n=28) and placebo group (n=28). Fatigue scores significantly changed in both groups; however, the JMZ group had a greater reduction in FSS score in the ITT analysis. The adjusted mean difference was 8.80 (Confidence interval (CI) 95%, 2.90-14.70, P = 0.00). The mean difference of VAS, BDI, and global PSQI scores were statistically significant (P=0.01, P₌0.00, P₌0.01; respectively). Regarding safety, mild adverse events (AEs) were reported. Conclusion: The results of our study revealed that the administration of JMZ syrup alleviated MSRF and also could improve depression and sleep disorders. more...

Background and Objectives: Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways which has become prevalent globally. There are reports about the immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of Pimpinella anisum L. seeds; so, in this study, we explored the suppressive effects of aqueous P. anisum L. seeds extract on ovalbumin-induced asthma in a mouse model. Methods: The seeds were extracted with water and the extract was dried by freeze-drying method. Twenty-eight BALB/c male mice weighing 15–20 g were divided into four groups of seven animals. Ovalbumin was used to trigger allergic asthma in these animals. Negative and positive control mice received phosphate-buffered saline and ovalbumin, respectively. The remaining two groups were challenged with ovalbumin and then received budesonide and the seed extract, respectively. Thereafter, the eosinophils count and expression of IL-5, -13, and -33 were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice. Histopathological changes of the lung tissues were also analyzed. Results: Aqueous extract of P. anisum seeds hindered ovalbumin -stimulated asthmatic complications by declining eosinophils number and expression of IL-5, -13, and -33 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice. It also inhibited the hyperplasia of goblet cells, hypersecretion of mucus, and inflammation in peribronchial and perivascular spaces, which were consequences of ovalbumin exposure. The activity of the extract in suppressing inflammatory responses of asthma in our murine model was comparable to budesonide. Conclusion: Our data underscored the effect of aqueous P. anisum seeds on the suppression of inflammatory responses of allergic asthma, proposing a promising suggestion for the treatment of the disease. more...

Background: Medicinal plants have important role for prevention and treatment of diseases regarding their traditional uses. In Iranian traditional medicine (ITM), herbal medicines have been considered as the key agents in the treatment of wide ranges of disorders. Traditional preparations can be reformulated to achieve pharmacopoeia standards as modern medicines. Objective: In this research, a polyherbal tablet namely “Monzej-e-balgham”, which is widely used for treating different diseases, has been formulated and quality control assessments have been done to present a proper formulation. Methods: Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Rosa x damascena Herrm., Adiantum capillus-veneris L., Onopordum acanthium L., Vitis vinifera L., Ficus carica L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. were extracted with water, filtered, concentrated and dried with spray drying method. Thirteen tablets formulations by direct compression and pre- and post- formulation analyses were prepared. Finally, the most proper formulation was selected and evaluated physicochemically and microbiologically according to standard protocols. The total phenol content as marker of the tablets was determined and accelerated stability tests were conducted (40 °C/75 % RH) as per ICH guidelines for six months. Results: For the selected formulation (F2), the hardness, weight variation, friability, disintegration time and drug release were determined as 6.78 ± 0.28 kg/cm2, 714.36 ± 1.71 mg, 0.79 ± 0.05 %, 10.18 ± 0.39 min and 97.67 ± 0.16% in one hour, respectively. The amount of total phenol was found to be 25.15 ± 0.13 mg/tablet. Microbial levels were in agreement with requirements. In the accelerated stability tests, no significant changes were observed. Total phenol content decreased 1.03 % during 6 months. Conclusion: After completing complementary tests such as in vivo and clinical trials, the formulated tablet (F2) could be presented for mass production. more...

Background and Objective: Burn injuries impose heavy costs on the healthcare systems. Since the available treatments for burn injuries are costly and have several complications, the present study aimed to compare the effects of an Iranian traditional medicine product in the form of a herbal ointment with silver sulfadiazine ointment on second-degree burn wounds. Methods: In this single-blind randomized clinical trial, the patients were divided into two groups of herbal ointment (Rosa damascena, Solanum nigrum, and Malva sylvestris) and SSD ointment (control). They were evaluated in terms of improvement, wound closure, wound appearance, and intervention complications prior to the treatment, on the fourth day, and after 1-4 weeks. Results: Fifty three participants completed the trial (27 in herbal ointment and 26 in SSD group). The mean burn wound healing time was 11.58±5.36 and 16.80±5.60 days in the herbal and SSD groups, respectively, which showed a significant difference in this regard (p=0.001). Moreover, the wound closure percentage in the first two weeks was significantly higher in the herbal group compared to the SSD group (p more...

Herbal medicines play a significant role in global healthcare systems. In this investigation, “Monzej soda” syrup was prepared by decocting a mixture containing Lavandula angustifolia, Melissa officinalis, Echium amoenum, Cordia myxa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ziziphus jujuba, Foeniculum vulgare, Fumaria parviflora, Adiantum capillus-veneris and Alhagi spp. Manna. along with glycerin, sodium benzoate and potacium sorbate. Physicochemical characteristics of the syrup were examined. Moreover, an HPLC technique was designed for analysis of rosmarinic acid in the syrup using C18 column, isocratic H3PO4 0.085% as the mobile phase, flow rate of 1 ml/min in λmax 330 nm. The method was validated for selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, LOD and LOQ. The herbal syrup was brown color with special taste and flavor. Density, pH, viscosity, dry residue, total phenolics, rosmarinic acid content were found 1.085 g/ml, 5.56, 5.35 cP, 15.22±0.43 %, 194 mg/100ml and 47.5 mg/100 ml, respectively. The syrup was stable during laboratory stability tests. The HPLC method was valid according to selectivity, linearity (72-110 µg/ml, r2: 0.9995), intra-day and inter-day precisions (RSD%˂2), accuracy (103.38-106.47%), LOD 1.6 µg/ml and LOQ 4.9 µg/ml. The syrup is a good candidate for pharmaceutical companies after pharmacological and clinical tests. more...

Background: Contact dermatitis (CD) is a common inflammatory disease of the skin. CD has a complex and multifaceted treatment, and one of the main components of CD treatment is inflammation management. We summarized the clinical trials exploring the effects of herbal medicine on patients with CD. Methods: A systematic review was performed by searching four databases. Clinical trials in English investigating the effect of herbal medicines on CD prevention and treatment published from 2010 to 2020 were reviewed. This study was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines. Results: Nine clinical trials examining the effects of herbs on CD were identified. A total of 450 patients participated in these studies. Herbal medicines used in the reviewed studies were in various forms. Almost all the studies showed that these herbs were useful in preventing and treating CD. Regarding the side effects of the herbal medicines, few complications such as erythema and papules as well as positive chronotropic effects were reported. Conclusion: Evidence showed that herbal medicines were effective in preventing and treating CD by reducing the inflammation level and increasing antioxidant defense. However, the number of clinical trials was low to draw definitive conclusions. Moreover, the studies were not homogeneous and differed regarding methodology, evaluation tools, and quality. Also, in these studies, the interactions and safety of the herbal medicines were not considered adequately. Therefore, well-designed evidence is required to draw definitive conclusions in this regard. more...

Nocturnal enuresis is one of the most common chronic problems of childhood. It has a significant effect on health and quality of life of children and their families. Despite pharmacological treatments, enuresis in most children relapses after the medication is discontinued. Also available drugs have many side effects that limited their uses. So, we compared the effect of topical use of Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. (Qost) oil as a Persian Medicine product on pediatric nocturnal enuresis in a parallel randomized double blinded study. Eighty-two patients aged 5 to 15 years who were diagnosed as monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis were allocated to receive costus oil or sesame oil topically below the navel twice a day for 4 weeks. Patients were evaluated prior to and following end of the study in terms of frequency of enuresis and any observed adverse events. The results were evaluated with valid PLUTSS questionnaire. For evaluation, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests were used. Significant p value was < 0.05. A significant decrease in mean scores of the questionnaires was noted in both groups. The results before and after the intervention were significantly different in both groups, but there was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups. At the end of the 4th week, the frequency and volume of enuresis showed a 46.2 percent reduction in costus oil group and a 25.5 percent reduction in sesame oil group. According to this study, the response rate based on PLUTSS questionnaire in costus oil group is 74.5%; while in the sesame oil group is 69%. No drug side effect was noticed in this study. Based on the results of this study, costus oil is effective in children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis; however, there is no significant difference between costus oil and sesame oil. more...

Background and objectives: Plants are usually used for treatment of different diseases according to their traditional application. The use of the plant based medications is increasingly becoming popular all over the world. Traditional herbal medicines should be transformed into new forms to make better acceptance and more comfortable use by patients. The aim of the present study was to formulate a poly herbal gel based on Iranian traditional medicine (ITM), and determine its physicochemical characteristics. Methods: The gel formulation consisted of Boswellia spp., Carum carvi L., Punica granatum L. and Myrtus communis L. extracts. The product was evaluated for the physicochemical parameters. The laboratory stability tests, microbiological tests and rheological behavior were performed on the gel. Additionally, total tannin content of the gel was measured as pyrogallol using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and hide powder. Results: Stability and physicochemical evaluations as well as microbiological tests showed that the prepared formulation was stable towards physical changes with no growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Moreover, it represented plastic behavior which is in favor of a topical product and alsototal tannins contents were determined to be 0.27 % in the gel. Conclusion: The product was acceptable due to its physical characterisitcs and so appropriate for topical use. Regarding the antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties of the medicinal herbs in the gel and also, the role of tannins as astringent agents, this formulation could be a suitable candidate for abnormal vaginal discharge with regards to its traditional application in ITM. more...

Background and objectives: People interest in traditional medicine has increased recently; however, traditional herbal medicines should be transformed into modern forms of medicine to increase patient acceptance. In this investigation, a polyherbal traditional combination “Monzej-e-balgham” has been based on according to Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) manuscripts and its quality control evaluations have been performed. Methods: The main ingredients of the formulation including Vitis venifera L., Ficus carica L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Adiantum capillus-veneris L., Rosa damascena Herrm. and Onopordum acanthium L. were crushed, mixed and extracted with distilled water by decoction method. The mixture was used to prepare formulations of the syrup. Physicochemical, microbiological properties and rheological behavior of the syrup were studied and total phenolics content of the formulation was determined. The syrup was evaluated in accelerated stability test during 6 months. Results: The product was light brown semitransparent syrup with appropriate taste and odor. There was no cap locking and precipitation. Dry residue, sedimentation, pH, viscosity, density and total phenolics were found to be 14.82%, 0.015%, 5.40, 4.6 cP, 1.076 g/mL and 127.34 mg/100 mL, respectively. Microbial evaluations of syrupwere consistent with the WHO protocol. The rheogram of the product represented the Newtonian behavior. In the accelerated stability tests, no significant changes were observed. Total phenolics content reduced to 2.50% within 6 months in 40 ºC. Conclusion: The outcome of this research was a pharmaceutical standardized formulation from the traditional “Monzej-e-balgham” which supports the idea of drug discovery based on traditional knowledge. more...

Background and objectives: Garlic (Allium sativum L.) oil has been introduced in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) as an effective topical agent for urine dribbling. Additionally, the beneficial effects of garlic on prostatic proliferation have been revealed in recent studies. The purpose of this research was formulation of a topical ointment using garlic oil proposed by ITM and quality control of the product. Methods: Garlic oil was prepared according to ITM instructions and analysed using GC/MS method. In order to formulate garlic ointment, several experimental formulations were examined. Microbial tests as well as physical assessments including thermal stability evaluation and study of rheological behaviour were performed on the final product. Results: GC/MS analysis of garlic oil showed the presence of dialyl trisulfide, one of the major organo-sulfur components of garlic. The herbal ointment containing garlic oil (70%), white petrolatum (23.7%) and white beeswax (6%), showed suitable physical properties as well as plastic tixotropic behaviour and was free of any microbial contamination. Conclusion: Regarding the modern evidences about the beneficial effects of garlic and its sulphur compounds on improvement of BPH and prevention of prostate cancer, garlic ointment could be an appropriate candidate for studies in the field of prostate related diseases with respect to its traditional use in ITM. more...

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is defined as painful menstrual in the absence of any pelvic pathology. Nowadays, the first line treatment is the use of NSAIDs that unfortunately has contraindication and side effects. Persian Medicine has noted menstrual pain with the defined treatments by use of herbs and herbal formulations. The aim of this study is to introduce the medicinal plants used to treat menstrual and uterine pains (M & UP) in Persian Medicine for evaluating in field of PD. For this purpose, first the medicinal plants used to treat M & UP were listed using prominent Persian Medicine references. In the next step, data were collected in relation to treat PD by searching in ‘Google Scholar’, ‘Scopus’, ‘PubMed’ and ‘SID’ databases between 2000 and 2016. Finally, the plants from identified Persian Medicine list, whose effect on PD have been revealed in modern literatures were introduced. According to this review, more than 100 medicinal plants were recommended for the treatment of M & UP in Persian Medicine. They belong to 60 plant families, the most frequent of which are Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae and Lamiaceae, respectively. Also, only about 13% of the aforementioned medicinal plants have been evaluated for the treatment of PD. It seems that many plants have been introduced in Persian Medicine for the treatment of menstrual pain, which have not yet been evaluated for their therapeutic effects and precise mechanisms of action. Thus, the introduced plants could be suitable candidates for future investigations. more...

Considering the high consumption of and preference for traditional treatments among people and the lack of enough studies on the effectiveness of these treatments, we aimed to review articles on the use of traditional and complementary medicine, focusing on how they affect healing, debridement, and hypertrophic scars. In this study, we conducted the literature search in international databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Ovid, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, as well as Persian databases Scientific Information Database (SID), Magiran, Iranmedex, and IranDoc. Retrieved hits were reviewed by three authors for screening based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the screening process is expressed as Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework flow chart. Twenty-two studies were included. The evaluated outcomes were wound healing in 19, pain control in 5, itching in 4, and scar appearance in 2 studies. All of the studies showed equal or improved effects compared to common treatments. Aloe vera , Centella asiatica , and Arnebia euchroma were the most common plants. We revealed that traditional medicine is beneficial in burn wound treatment. The diversity in ingredients that are used in traditional medicine brings up the need for further controlled prospective studies to evaluate the precise superiority of these treatments compared to standard care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...