محمد رضا شمس اردکانی

Drug title is one of the important tools for recognizing and evaluating a combination drug and also analyzing its content. However, sometimes due to the existence of problems that is considered a kind of pathology in this field, is tarnished. The present study tries to identify the problems of nomenclature of compounded drugs. The names of combination drugs available in this research have been collected from three books in traditional pharmacy, namely Gharabadin-e-Salehi, Gharabadin-e- Kabeer, and Gharabadin-e- Azam, related to 18th and 19th centuries. The results showed that there are 5 major problems in nomenclature of compounded drugs: (1) several names for one drug with various formulations, (2) one name for drugs with various formulations, (3) a great deal of variation in unnamed drugs, (4) some unknown pharmaceutical dosage forms, and (5) being dosage forms at one with route of administration and mechanism of action. The study exposes combination drugs in Persian medicine have named concerning various patterns. For this reason, there is non-cooperation that feels a need to special investigation

During the Abbasian period, the progress of Muslims in fields of medicine and pharmacy was far more than other sciences. Iranian physicians and scientists have played a prominent role in these advances. Dinavar city is one of the ancient scientific and cultural centers of Islamic Iran and has long been the cradle of mystics and great men in the field of science and mysticism and has been of special importance. One of the celebrated scholars in traditional Islamic and Persian medicine, who rose from city of Dinavar, is Abu Hanifa Dinawari. Despite his prominent role and valuable works in the field of botany, there are unfortunately few historical sources about the life and introduction of the botanical works of this great scientist. The purpose of writing this article is to introduce Abu Hanifa Dinawari as one of the great Iranian botanists in the third century AH. This research was conducted by a documentary and library method and is based on study and review of books and sources of traditional and historical medicine of Iran and Islam as well as electronic resources. Abu Hanifa was the first Muslim botanist in the Islamic era who was able to tackle many questions and unknowns, particularly in the field of botany, so that many great scientists such as Ibn Baytar and Abu Rayhan Biruni have quoted his valuable works in explaining and describing some plants. Introducing Iranian Muslim scientists, who, despite their creativity and valuable works, have not been properly recognized, can thoroughly explain the crucial role Iranian scholars have played in development of various sciences.

Arum rupicola Boiss. (Araceae Family) is used by the native people of southern areas of Iran as a soup called "kardeh soup". Several flavonoids and phenol compounds have been identified from Arum species.

The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidant effect and total phenol contents as well as cytotoxic activity of the leaves of A. rupicola.

Antioxidant activity of total methanol extract and fractions including n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and water residue were evaluated using FRAP and DPPH methods. Total phenol content was measured using Folin-Ciocalteu method. Cytotoxic activity of the extract and fractions were investigated against human breast cancer MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and T47D cell lines by MTT assay. Further phytochemical isolation was done on the water residue using column chromatography.

According to the results, water residue showed the lowest IC50 value (186.7 µg/ml) and the total methanol extract showed the most antioxidant power (163.62 mmol FeSO4/100 g extract) and phenol content (135 µmol Gallic acid/g extract). The hexane fraction also showed the highest cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line with IC50 equal to 118.9 μg/ml. Phytochemical analysis of the water residue resulted in isolation and identification of three isoflavonoids named orobol, genistein and genistein 8-c-glucoside.

Based on the identification of isoflavonoid compounds in this plant, its ability to be used as a phytoestrogenic supplement can be considered in future studies.

Prunus armeniaca is one member of the Rosaceae family. Antitumor activity of this family on the colon, prostate, bladder, cervix, lung and breast cancers has been proven in previous research, which is attributed to a natural compound called amygdalin. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of apricot kernel extract on acute leukemia that has not been studied before.

In this experimental study, Aqueous, ethyl acetate, and hydro alcoholic of the Armeniacae semen extracts were prepared. The NALM-6 and KG-1 cell lines were treated with different doses of extracts; cell viability was investigated with MTT test and using double staining fluorescent, cell apoptosis was detected. Cell cycle progression was analyzed, using a BD Cycle TEST PLUS DNA Kit.

The results showed that different extracts of Prunus armeniaca induced dose-dependent inhibition in both Kg1 and Nalm6 cell lines. According to the results of MTT test, the strongest IC50 in Kg1 and Nalm6 cell lines was related to the 48h effect of ethyl acetate extract of Prunus armeniaca. Fluorescent microscopy analysis showed apoptosis. The ethyl acetate extract application in both cell lines increased the number of cells in the G0 / G1 phase and decreased the number of cells in the G2 / M phase.

It seems that ethylacetat extract of Prunus armeniaca can reduce the proliferation of Kg1 and Nalm6 cell lines, probably by regulates cell cycle progression.

Polygonatum orientale, an herbaceous and perennial plant from family Asparagaceae, is native to the forests of northern Iran. The hypoglycemic effects of other species of the Polygonatum have been proven.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of P. orientale rhizome extract and its effects on the antioxidant enzymes in the plasma of the normal and streptozocin induced diabetic rats.

30 male rats were divided into 6 groups; healthy control, negative control, positive control (metformin, 500 mg/kg) and three groups of diabetic rats (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) that received the ethanolic (70%) extract orally. After 28 days effects of the extract on blood glucose, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase enzymes, as well as total antioxidant capacity of the plasma (by FRAP test) were investigated.

According to the results, the percentage of reduction in blood glucose in the groups of 400 (2%) and 800 (25%) mg/kg compared to the diabetic control group was significantly different, (P<0.05) and (P<0.001), respectively. The difference in blood glucose levels between 400 and 800 mg/kg and metformin was not significant (P>0.05). Also, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract reduced the amount of SOD in the plasma comparable to the normal group.

It can be concluded that the ethanolic extract of rhizome of P. orientale exhibits a significant hypoglycemic effect that may be related to the presence of steroids, flavonoids and polysaccharides.

Lavender is a medicinal plant that has a long history of consumption in Persian medicine. The most prominent medicinal use has been for neurological disorders in a way that it has been called "the brain scavenger". There are different opinions about its botanical description in Persian medicine sources that implied to the use of various plants as lavender in different ages.

In this paper, three species belonging to the Lamiaceae family including Lavandula stoechas L, Lavandula angustifolia Mill., and Nepeta menthoides Boiss. were investigated and their botanical descriptions were compared with what has said about the identity of lavender in Persian medicine literature.

The investigations revealed that the definition of Lavender (Ustukhuddus) in Persian medicine mainly corresponds to the characteristics of Lavandula stoechas. It should be noted that from the middle of the 20th century, Nepeta menthoides has been introduced to the Iranian medicinal plant market as lavender and replaced the Roman lavender.

The results of this work could be the research source of medicinal plants scientists to work on each of these species.

Henna belongs to the genus Lawsonia from the Lythraceae family. This shrub plant is about 2 meters high which is often planted in order to use its leaves, but other parts of the plant such as skin and seeds also have therapeutic effects. Henna grows in Iran, Pakistan, India, and South Asia as well as tropical and subtropical areas of East Africa. The distribution of henna in Iran includes Hormozgan, Khuzestan, Kerman and Sistan Baluchestan. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of henna in Persian medicine texts and to gathering data about the new evidences for the effects of henna.

It was a review study based on a library search in the main sources of Persian medicine in Iran. Also, various databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct were searched for new findings.

Henna (Lawsonia innermis L.) is widely used in Persian medicine to treat many diseases including skin and hair disorders, headaches, and wound healing. Henna leaves powder is used in dyeing of hair, beard, and nails. Henna, in terms of phytochemistry, includes compounds such as quinones, carbohydrates, proteins, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds, alkaloids, coumarins, and fatty acids. The most important features of henna plant are analgesic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, immune stimulant, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.

Comparing and adapting traditional findings and current studies suggests that there is a very close match between Persian medicine and conventional medicine sources. Hence, considering new practical findings of the henna and a closer look at the sources of Persian medicine especially ancient manuscripts may lead to discover novel effective pharmaceutical products.

The present study seeks for comparision and explanation of the theory of temperament based on modern sciences in personality for readout of the psyche temperament concept. The present research method is comparative and argumentative and the concept of temperaments is redefined in a comparative state in relation to modern sciences in personality psychology. In this retrieval, psyche temperament is defined based on human motivating power in confrontation of environmental stimulus in the range of the meta-trait of plasticity (response) and the meta-trait of stability (stimulation). Regarding this, quality of plasticity (hot-cold range of temperament) from the aspect of response, represents the manifestation in personality of the need to incorporate novel information into the psychosocial organization, as the situation of the individual internally and externally changes, while, quality of stability (dry-wet range of temperament) represents the manifestation in personality of the need to maintain a stable psychosocial organization to achieve various goals. The concept of psyche temperament can be fundamental to the formation of new hypotheses in the explanation of human's genetic, brain, and neuro-cognitive mechanisms, and is also applicable to the evaluation of environmental aesthetics and preferences, based on wisdom and indigenous background

The general health poilices (GHP) that have been announced by the supreme leader of Iran is a systemic and futurographic approach to all fields of Iranian health.  GHP clause 12th: "Interpretation of 12th clause of general health policies: recognition, explanation, promotion, development and institutionalization of traditional Persian medicine" is merely devoted to Persian medicine (PM). The aim of this study was to interpret this clause in a thicktank which is formed by researcher and specialists of PM. In the first step, critical concepts of GHP 12th clause were studied according to the upstream national documents and international search engines and libraries without time limitation. In the second step, in an interview with PM politicians, administerators, specialists and stakeholders, general interventions are gathered, categoried and interpreted. Finally, proposed interventions are presented. Here, 14 concepts of GHP 12th clause are defined and 68 interventions are proposed. In this study, PM related GHP are interpreted in a wide field: promotion, education, research, import, export, technology and production. Such interpretation will result in integration of traditional and conventional medicines, preventing forgery claims in PM and presenting new opportunities for conventional medicine.

Aftimun and Koshuth are two popular plants with different indications in Persian medicine which are usually wrongly used instead of each other because of similar appearance. The word Aftimun (epithymum) is a Greek word; “epi” means “on” in Latin and “thymum” means “thymus”. Considering its meaning and its appearance which is mentioned to have a red color, the scientific name of Aftimun is Cuscusta epithymum that often grows on thyme and has black bile scavenging properties. It is applied for treatment of melancholia, mania, melancholic epilepsy, and melancholic headache.
Regarding Koshuth, it has been indicated that its stem is yellowish and its flower is small and whitish. Its seed is smaller than radish and circular and the best type is the fresh yellow with bitter taste which grows on thorns. These characteristics are matched with Cuscuta chinensis which is mostly seen on a camel’s thorn. In Persian medicine, koshuth is mentioned to be opener and remover of waste materials from vessels and tonifying agent of stomach, liver, spleen and blood vessels. It is also diuretic, emmenagogue, lactiferous and sudoriferous, laxative and uterus cleanser. Moreover, it is used for treatment of chronic fevers and splenomegaly.
 

Background and Purpose:

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. In recent years, the rate of cancer has been dramatically rising. Side effects and, in some cases, inefficiencies in common treatments have led to extensive research about new drugs, especially those with plant origin. The study of traditional medical knowledge can lead to the selection of effective plants for cancer treatment. Pistacia atlantica is one of the herbs that had been considered by the ancient scientists for different diseases including cancer. This plant has been mentioned in traditional manuscripts with Arabic words like "Botm", "Elk-ol-Botm", and "Habat-ol-Khazra".

Methods and Materials:

In this study, the main traditional manuscripts were searched with Pistacia atlantica related keywords in addition to different words that refer to malignancy like "Saratan" ,"Khanazir", "Saqhirus" and "Jozam". Moreover, scientific databases such as Iran medex, Cochrane, PubMed, SID, Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using keywords such as: Pistacia atlantica, Saqez, and Bane.

Based on the results of this study, several anticancer formulations containing the resin of Pistacia atlantica was found in traditional medicine manuscripts. In recent studies, various parts of the plant have been shown to be effective in controlling and inhibiting the proliferation of different types of cancer cells.

So far, various compounds have been identified in Pistacia atlantica, such as phenolic compounds which have antioxidant effects and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Regarding many indications available in traditional and modern medicine about the anticancer effects of this plant, it can be concluded that Pistacia atlantica has a high potential for further investigations, especially in the form of clinical studies, in order to obtain new anti-cancer drugs.

Bādranjbūye is one of the most applicable medicinal plants in Persian medicine and administered by Persian medicine scholars as a euphoric, brain tonic, memory enhancer, cardiotonic and anti-dyspnea agent. There are various opinions about its botanical definition in Persian medicine literature however, there is no unique concept about its identity. In this paper, all plant species related to Bādranjbūye were investigated and their botanical definitions were compared with each other to see what is told about their identity in Persian medicine. Nowadays, three plant species including Melissa officinalis L., Asperugo procumbens L. and Dracocephalum modavica L. are proposed as Bādranjbūye. The investigation demonstrated that the definition of Bādranjbūye in Persian medicine mainly corresponds to characteristics of Melissa officinalis from the family of Labiatae and in some situations corresponds to Dracocephalum moldavica from the family of Labiatae. However, since Asperugo procumbens from the family of Boraginaceae was found enormously in the habitat of Melissa officinalis, the considerable amount of this plant inevitably exists with Melissa officinalis. Therefore, most of the samples from the herbal market belongs to Asperugo procumbens.

Gāvzabān is a medicinal plant known as Lesan-al-thor in traditional literatures and used as antidepressant, anxiolytic, general tonic especially cardiotonic, and antitussive. It is also administered for treatment of melancholic disorders in traditional Persian medicine. Different botanical descriptions are available for this medicinal plant in traditional manuscripts which implied to this fact that different plant species used as Gāvzabān in different ages. In this paper, four species from the family Boraginaceae which have more similarities to descriptions in traditional literatures including Echium amoenum, Anchusa azurea, Buglossoides arvensis, and Borago officinalis have been described and their pharmacological and toxicological data according to traditional literatures and modern phytotherapy have been considered.

"Onsol" known as “Squill” and “Basal-al-far” in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) is a plant in the family Asparagaceae. Two kinds of “Onsol” have been mentioned inITM manuscripts, red and white. In this paper, we tried to determine the scientific name of“Onsol” which hasthe characteristics mentioned in ITM literatures are corresponding to the characteristics ofDrimiamaritima(L.)Stearn. The white bulbs of “Onsol” have been used medicinally. White bulbs from different parts of Iran are available in Iran herbal market and all of them are Drimiamaritima(L.) Stearn.

Onnāb/Annāb is the fruit of shrub reaching a height of up to 10 meter with thorny branches. The ripe fruit is spherical to oval, red or deep brown with sweet taste and a single oval and sharp stone seed. The fruits ripen in summer to early autumn. In Iranian traditional medicine, it is used as blood purifier and respiratory soothing agent. Characteristics mentioned for Onnāb/Annāb in Iranian traditional medicine is corresponding to Ziziphus jujuba Miller.

Karchak known as Khervae and Bidanjir in Iranian traditional medicine is an annual or perennial glabrous herb with green to red color and 1 to 4 meter height. The stems are thick, hollow and the leaves are palmate with long petioles. Fruit is covered with soft spines and seeds look like bean seed and are fatty with dark lines. In Iranian traditional medicine, it is known as a potent purgative of cold humors and used in conditions caused by cold humors and also for strengthening viscera. The characteristics mentioned in Iranian traditional medicine literatures are corresponding to the characteristics of Ricinus communis L.

Background and Long-term complications of diabetes have encouraged scientists to develop comprehensive investigations for the prevention and control of diabetes. At this juncture, diet and lifestyle changes as well as physical activity are the main solutions. Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) with a thousand years of experience has paid special attention to health care principles which are known as “Sete Zarorie”. They have been frequently recommended to reduce or eliminate the risk of diabetes.
Material and In this review article, all the corresponding texts in traditional medicine and modern medicine were comprehensively studied. For this purpose, important Iranian traditional medicine references such as the Al Qanun-fil-Tibb, Tibb Akbari, Gharayez-al-Tabieh, Hefz-al-Sehe Naseri, Kholaseh-al-Hekmah, Mofaereh-al-Gholob, Alhavi-fil-Tibb as well as scientific data bases such as Iranmedex, Cochrane, CRD, Embase, Pub Med, SID, MEDLIN, Scopus, and Google Scholar using key words like “lifestyle”, “hyperglycemia”, “diabetes”, “fast blood sugar”, “prevention”, and “non-medicine” were carefully reviewed and the corresponding papers were studied. Two researchers reviewed the literature individually and the corresponding articles were studied and analyzed.
It was found that the most solutions for the prevention and control of diabetes including suitable diet, weight loss, physical activity, and improving personal and sleep habits are same in both traditional and modern medicines. It should be noted that suitable solutions in ITM are recommended focusing on the “temperament”.
Considering the fact that recommended solutions for the prevention and control of diabetes in ITM are user-friendly, they deserve to be performed in the society under supervision of related specialists.

Eucalyptus consists of various species from the genus Eucalyptus which are endemic to Australia and have been taken from this region to other part of the world like Iran. Among these species, Eucalyptus globulus is the important medicinal species described in all of medicinal plants reference books. It is received much attention because of containing acceptable amount of 1,8- cineol or eucalyptol (more than 70%). Eucalyptus has a hot and dry temperament and it has been used by Australian natives for treatment of wounds. In other regions, it has been claimed to be locally beneficial for catarrh and respiratory disorders, gingivitis and headache. E.globulus has been suggested as the important medicinal species corresponding to Eucalyptus.

Āvishan, a genus from the family of Labiatae, has been identified in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) with different names such as “Sa‘tar”, “Ābshan”, and “Kahlik oti”. Three kinds of this plant, “Barri”, “Bostāni” and “Jabali”, have been considered in the ITM. In this paper, we tried to determine the scientific names of these three kinds, according to their characteristics mentioned in the ITM resources and also propose appropriate Persian names for these scientific names. It was concluded that the characteristics of “Barri” in ITM are matched with the two species of Thymus including T. daenensis and T. pubescens, those for “Bostāni” seems to be corresponding to T. kotschyanus and “Jabali” is matched to Zataria multiflora. The suggested Persian names for these species are “Āvishan Denāī” for T. daenensis, “Āvishan korkdār” for T. pubescens, “Āzorbeh” for T. kotschyanus, and “Āvishan Shirāzi” for Zataria multiflora.

Most experts of Iranian traditional medicine believe that it is absolutely necessary and inevitable to update the field to utilize evidence in education of Iranian traditional medicine students and treatment of its patients. In this regard، this study attempted to evaluate utilization of evidence-based medicine (EBM) in the curriculum of School of Iranian Traditional Medicine. In this qualitative study، semi-structured، individual، and face-to-face interviews were done to collect Iranian traditional medicine expert’s point of views in regard to EBM. Content analysis was done to analyze the data. The study findings were classified in two major categories including EBM in the curriculum of Iranian traditional medicine، and EBM application in Iranian School of Traditional Medicine. The sub-categories were also mentioned. Although some sections of PhD program in traditional medicine are related to evidence based medicine، it is not satisfying yet. Therefore، the concept and principles of evidence based practice should be included in theory and practice.

Identifying the reliable resources and using documented and valid evidence for students’ training and patients’ treatment is essential considering the reconsideration of Iranian traditional medicine by Iran Ministry of Health, treatment and medical education. Therefore, the present study was conducted to specify the measures and threats and the necessary solutions for application or enhancement of the application of evidence based medicine in Iranian traditional medicine.

This qualitative study addressed the view of Iranian traditional medicine experts by content analysis method and using a semi -structured, deep and face-to-face interview in 2011. Sampling was initiated in a purposive way and continued up to achieving the information saturation and totally 13 individuals interviewed. Data collection tool was a semi-structured interview consist a number of open questions performing by one of the researchers.

The obtained themes were classified into three main categories: existing opportunities in the application of evidence-based medicine (Global approach to traditional medicine, the authorities and universities’ welcome, presence of interested teachers etc.), existing threats in the application of evidence-based medicine (lack of a common strategic program, lack of teachers, etc.) and requirements and proposed approaches in the application of evidence-based medicine (benchmarking of neighboring countries, teachers’ changing of insight, etc.).

All of the authorities of traditional medicine in Iran emphasize the necessities of the application of evidence-based medicine in Iran traditional medicine and also traditional medicine faculties.

History has seen many famous doctors during Iranian post-Islamic medicine that caused escalation of Medicine. Among them، Yousef-ibn-Mohammad- ibn- Yousef Heravi، known as Hakim Yousefi، is one of Iranian famous wises and physicians. Despite his great fame، there is little information about his life. He was a native of Khaff in Khorasan. He lived in Herat in 10th century. Then، He went to India because of fears Qizilbash. He has written many books including: versified book Alaj-al- Amraz، Jame- al- Favayed، Badaye-al- Ensha، six nessesary point of health book (Sette Zarooriyye)، booklet of Signs of urine (Dalael al-Bol)، booklet of Sign of pulse (Dalael al- Nabz) and many other books and booklets. Hakim Yousefi was an active doctor and gifted poet that introduction of him and his books can be contributed to the development of traditional medicine and pharmacy. One of his books is Riyaz-al-Advieh that is included two sections and a brief end. The purpose of this review was to introduce prominent physician and his books، specially Riyaz-al-Advieh to the fans of traditional medicine.