Traditional and Integrative Medicine

Exploring the Role of ChatGPT in Traditional Medicine: A Friend or Foe?

Amol S Dhane — 2024-03-10

The Article Abstract is not available.

An Ethnomedicinal Study; Joint Pain Therapy by Traditional Healers of Solo City

Retno Widyowati — 2024-03-10

Healers of Jamu- a Traditional Medicine in Solo City, Central Java, Indonesia apply several therapies for treatment of different diseases, including joint pain. The aim of the ethnomedicinal study is the identification of herbal formulations/ medicinal plants/method of preparation and their mode of administration for joint pain therapy in Jamu Medicine. An ethnomedicinal survey was conducted to collect data from traditional healers of Jamu Medicine regarding the practice of joint pain therapy. Data was collected from 25 healers through interview by snowball technique. The data obtained from the study revealed that, 25 herbal formulations /potions consisting of 32 types of medicinal plants from 19 families have been registered by traditional healers for joint pain therapy. Most commonly used plants for joint pain therapy have been identified as Piper retrofractum Vahl, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Curcuma xanthorrhiza D.Dietr., Kaempferia galanga L., and Curcuma longa L. Traditional herbal formulations are prepared by different processing methods like washing, peeling, crushing, pounding then squeezing with warm water (infusion)/ boiling in water (decoction) to get their extract. These herbal formulations are administered orally or applied locally as massage on the affected joint. Through this study we will preserve the traditional knowledge of Jamu Medicine because the younger generation of traditional healers is no more interested in continuing it and their number is gradually decreasing. This valuable data will help the scientist to make new medicinal breakthroughs in the future especially to treat joint pain.

Utilization of Complementary Medicine among Patients with Cardiovascular Disease in Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mohammad Hossein Sharifi — 2024-03-10

Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) has been widely used globally, but limited data are available on the use of CAM in Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). The present study aimed to evaluate CAM use in CVD patients. The present cross-sectional study was performed in Shiraz, Iran, during the summer of 2021. Cardiovascular patients aged ≥ 18 years were included in the study. Demographic information on left ventricular ejection fraction and satisfaction with CAM utilization was collected using validated questionnaires. A total of 304 patients (194 males and 110 females) were recruited for this study. The frequency of patients identified as CAM users was 56.9% (n = 173). Patients with implanted pacemakers were less likely to use CAM than others (OR = 0.50, p = 0.031). Meanwhile, the likelihood of CAM utilization was approximately 2 and 4 times higher in the patients categorized in class I of the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification compared to those in the second and third classes, respectively. Most CAM users used herbs, dietary supplements, and praying to prevent diseases, while Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) remedies and acupuncture were more commonly used to treat acute and chronic illnesses, respectively. Praying for health, herbal therapy, and dietary supplementation were the most popular CAM types utilized by Iranian CVD patients. However, future investigations seem to be required to determine the exact physiological impacts, probable adverse effects, and long-term benefits of CAM therapies in this population.

L-Carvone from Mentha spicata L. Leaves Suppresses Oxidative Stress and Hypertrophy in the Isoproterenol-Induced Rat Model of Cardiac Hypertrophy

Anitha Nagarajan — 2024-03-10

The effect of L-Carvone (a natural monoterpene from Mentha spicata L., leaves) in cardiac hypertrophy caused by isoproterenol administration was investigated. Male rats (Wistar) were divided into five groups: Control, diseased, diseased rats with losartan, diseased rats with low-dose L-Carvone, and high-dose L-Carvone. Rats were injected with isoproterenol (5 mg/kg) for 30 days to induce cardiac hypertrophy. Then, simultaneously with Losartan (15 mg/kg), L-Carvone was administered orally at a dosage of 25 mg/kg (low dose) and 100 mg/kg (high dose) treatment. The cardioprotective effect of L-Carvone was evaluated by examining the heart morphometric indices, and ECG analyses. Chronic isoproterenol administration resulted in changes in morphometric indices of the heart, ECG tracings, biochemical parameters such as tissue glucose, proteins, lipid profiles, serum cardiac markers, antioxidants, and histopathological integrity of the heart tissue. When compared with the isoproterenol group, L-Carvone administrated for 30 days ameliorated all these changes in rats significantly (p < 0.05). L-Carvone adequately averted chronic cardiac hypertrophy, most probably through its antioxidant potential.

Design, Production and Evaluation of Digital Educational Content Based on DDD-E Model: Depression Treatment in Traditional Persian Medicine

Zohreh Khoshgoftar — 2024-03-10

Multimedia conveys educational concepts and materials in an easier, wider, and more attractive way, along with text, sound, image, and video, to overcome the limitations caused by educational methods. The aim of the current research is to produce and evaluate digital multimedia based on the decide, design, develop, and-evaluate (DDD-E) model in the field of teaching depression treatment in traditional Persian medicine. The study was quantitative, and the professors and doctoral students of the two fields of medical education and traditional Persian medicine were the subjects of the present study. In this research, the DDD-E model was used to produce a training package for the treatment of depression in traditional Persian medicine. This study was conducted in four phases: decision-making, planning, development, and evaluation. The final evaluation was done in two stages. First, it was evaluated by preparing a checklist of educational multimedia production stages based on the original DDD-E model, and in the second stage, a QAMLM questionnaire was used to evaluate the final product. The results of the evaluation showed that, according to the evaluators, quality components were generally observed in multimedia production. There was a complete consensus among the experts regarding the quality of content matching the goal and attention to learning results (Kappa coefficient = 1). Regarding the quality of media selection components (Kappa coefficient = 0.383), Paying attention to cultural and social factors (Kappa coefficient = 0.395) There was the least consensus. The overall score of the multimedia produced was equal to 58.4, according to experts. The multimedia was produced in terms of content, education, and technology to provide training to general practitioners in order to improve practical knowledge and use the recommendations of traditional Persian medicine to adjust the treatment patterns of patients with depression.

The Effects of Dietary Interventions on Cardiovascular Indexes among Individuals with Cold and Hot Temperaments Based on Persian Medicine

Maryam Yavari — 2024-03-10

This study aimed to explore potential relationships between dietary patterns aligned with cold or hot temperaments and cardiovascular parameters among healthy individuals. This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2020 with 65 healthy volunteers. Participants were categorized into two groups, specifically as hot or cold temperaments. In the initial phase, we measured body temperature, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and conducted the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) test. Subsequently, participants received a three-day diet plan with a similar nature to their body temperament (second phase). The same measurements were repeated after three days. Following this, participants returned to a normal daily diet for three days. In the third phase, they received a diet plan of the opposite nature to their temperament for another three days, and the same battery of tests was conducted at the study's conclusion. In both the cold temperament group during the second phase and the hot temperament group during the third phase, mean body temperature, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower than in other phases (P < 0.05). Additionally, HRV indexes, including RMSSD, SDNNInd, and QT, were significantly higher during the second phase for the cold temperament group and the third phase for the hot temperament group compared to other phases (P < 0.05). Irrespective of individual body temperament, the consumption of a cold-natured diet led to a significant decrease in mean body temperature, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This effect may be attributed to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.

The Role of Honey in Reproductive Age Gynecological Diseases: An Overview of Clinical Trials

Masoumeh Norouzi Allahleh Korabi — 2024-03-10

Honey has been used since ancient times to treat various diseases such as gynecological diseases. The current study aims to investigate clinical trials related to the therapeutic effects of honey on women's diseases. Databases including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Google scholar, and SID were investigated for clinical studies focusing on honey in gynecological diseases up to 31 June 2022. Eligibility was checked based on selection criteria. Twenty-five clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. Therapeutic properties of honey and its compounds as a systemic and/or local treatment on vulvovaginal candidiasis, cervicitis, dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, labor pain, episiotomy and cesarean wounds, nipple fissure, breast cancer and intrauterine insemination (IUI), with the mechanisms of action of antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, analgesic, antioxidant and anticancer activities have been proven. It was also found that phenolic compounds including flavonoids and phenolic acids are the main ones responsible for most of these therapeutic effects of honey. This study supports the healing properties of honey in gynecological diseases at reproductive age. Also, in the current studies, honey proved safe with minor adverse effects. Of course, to achieve definitive conclusions about the effectiveness and safety of honey, it is necessary to conduct more clinical trials with a larger sample size, appropriate intervention duration, and optimal doses in future studies.

Sleep Paralysis from the Viewpoint of Persian Medicine

Mahdie Hajimonfarednejad — 2024-03-10

Sleep paralysis, described as Kabus in Persian medicine (PM), is a state during sleep in which a person senses heaviness on the chest without the ability to speak or move. This study aims to review sleep paralysis from the viewpoint of Persian medicine. Five original reference books on PM were reviewed and data about the definition, etiology, and clinical features of sleep paralysis were extracted. Two main etiologies have been mentioned: evaporation of vapor to the brain and brain dystemperament due to cold reaching the brain; both of which cause weakness and dysfunction of the brain. PM recommends low-cost and available remedies for sleep paralysis such as dietary modification, oral and topical herbal medications, and manual interventions like “Fasd” (phlebotomy). Recent studies have shown the neuroprotective effect of these herbal drugs which can improve cognition and memory. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of the recommended remedies for sleep paralysis.

The Cause of Kidney Stone Formation and Treatment from the Perspective of Conventional and Traditional Persian Medicine

Maryam Rameshk — 2024-03-10

Urinary stone disease is the most common urinary tract disease that has caused human suffering since ancient times. The observation of a 7000-year-old bladder stone in an Egyptian skeleton proves this claim. This disease causes many complications for patients, but its pathogenesis is unclear. The knowledge about the cause of urinary stones formation and treatment recommendations from ancient physicians' perspectives is probably helpful in preventing and treating kidney stones. Data for this review were provided by search in five Traditional Persian sources available, including Canon of Medicine (Avicenna, 980-1037 AD), Kamil al–Sana al-Tibbiya (Majusi Ahwazi (Haly Abbas), died 982-994), Zakhire Kharazmshahi (Jorjani, 1042-1137 AD), Makhzan al Adviyeh (Mohammad Hossein Aghili Khorasani Shirazi in 18th AD), and Tib-e-Akbari (Mohammad Akbar Arzani-11th and 12th centuries AD) and Until January of 2023, all English publications in Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus, using various search terms such as urolithiasis, lithiasis, and kidney stone. Some dietary recommendations in Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) for treatment of urinary tract stones and 134 recommended plant species, in addition to studies of in vivo effects of some of them in conventional medicine have been described in this article. The TPM with long experience and special principles has good potential in the field of diagnosis and treatment in its own way and can act as a strong complementary treatment system for diseases that have challenging treatment. It seems using the experiences in the TPM sources and relying on today's knowledge can create a way to prevent the formation and recurrence of urinary tract stones.

Plant-Derived Medicines for Sciatica: A Comprehensive Review

Narges Lavari — 2024-03-10

Sciatica commonly refers to radicular leg pain which is mainly caused by lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and affects the daily functional ability of many patients in the world. However, according to the side effects and short-term benefits of its treatments, new therapeutic agents such as natural products are needed. The aim of this study was to comprehensively review the effectiveness of plant-derived products for the treatment of sciatica. Electronic databases, including Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched from inception to 17 August 2023 for this comprehensive review. English language papers reporting preclinical and clinical evaluations of the effectiveness of herbal products, including medicinal plants, multi-component herbal preparations, and phytochemicals on sciatica, radicular pain, or LDH, were included. Studies on neuropathic pain due to reasons other than sciatica, radicular pain, or LDH were excluded. From a total of 5666 papers identified in the primary search, 16 (including 4 clinical and 12 preclinical studies) were finally included. Most of the plant-derived treatments mentioned in this review belonged to the polyphenol family or contained high concentrations of various polyphenols. From the results obtained, polyphenols relieved sciatica by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, mainly through the inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways. In conclusion, plant-derived medicines have the potential to improve the quality of life and functional ability of sciatica patients by relieving symptoms. However, further preclinical and clinical studies are suggested to prove the safety and efficacy of such herbal medicines for sciatica.

Wound Healing Agents as Described by Avicenna in the Canon of Medicine

Arman Zargaran — 2024-03-10

Topical wounds are common complications, and it is necessary to find new remedies and approaches for their treatment. In this study, Avicenna’s definitions of topical wounds and his treatment strategies are investigated and compared with contemporary findings. Data were extracted from the fourth chapter of the fourth volume of the Canon of Medicine and databases of PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar using keywords of wound healing, Avicenna, Persian medicine, etc. Avicenna tries to clarify categorizations, semiology, pathophysiology, dressing, remedies and treatment strategies for wound. Many of his descriptions—like callus and the importance of angiogenesis in wound healing—are close to current definitions. He also mentioned to strategies like using gauze in dressing, control of bleeding and swelling (inflammation), washing and clearing wounds, using suture and surgery in some cases and also prescribing tonic foods. Furthermore, the efficacy of many natural remedies mentioned by Avicenna like Boswellia sacra Flück., Hordeum vulgare L., Prangos ferulacea Lindl., Quercus persica Jaub. & Spach, Brassica oleracea L., and Plantago major L. have been evaluated and approved by contemporary investigations. These results demonstrate the impact of Avicenna’s knowledge on wounds and wound healing process. Therefore, besides historical impact, it is important as a novel natural source to find new medicaments based on this ancient knowledge.

Abu-Sahl al-Masihi (960-1010 AD) and His Description of the Heart

Maryam Taghavi-Shirazi — 2024-03-10

Since the Old Testament era, medicine has drawn scientists from around the world. Persian physicians have played an undeniable role in the advancement of medicine worldwide and their books have been taught as medical textbooks in the East and the West for years. In the Islamic Golden Age (9^th to 12^th century AD), Abu-Sahl al-Masihi (960-1010 AD), was one of the great Persian scholars contemporary to Avicenna and Al-Biruni. He wrote several valuable works on medicine, philosophy, mathematics, and astronomy in Arabic. The two books titled Al-Mia fil-Tibb (Book of the Hundred [on Medicine]) and Ezhar al-Hekmat Allah Ta’ala fi Khalgh al-Ensan (Manifestations of God’s Wisdom in the Creation of Mankind) also known as Tashrih Badan al-Ensan (Human Anatomy) are among his important works in medicine. Particularly, in Tashrih Badan al-Ensan, Abu-Sahl detailed the structure and function of each organ within the human body. On heart anatomy, he presented interesting, and even innovative views. Despite the significance of his views on medicine among physicians of the Islamic era, his works have failed to be translated into Latin or other languages for unknown reasons, leaving him veiled in academic spheres. This paper aims to describe Abu-Sahl al-Masihi's opinions on heart anatomy.