Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products
Volume:18 Issue: 3, Aug 2023

Hirudotherapy is very common in traditional Iranian medicine for treating various diseases, including hyperglycemia. However, there is no scientific research to evaluate its effect on diabetes mellitus and the possible side effects.

This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical and histopathological changes in healthy and diabetic male rats treated with leeches.

This experimental study was performed on 28 male Albino Wistar rats randomly divided into control, diabetic, and two treatment groups (control and diabetic rats treated with Hirudo medicinalis). Hirudotherapy was done in 3 to 5 minutes every 5 days for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the study, blood glucose, biochemical activity of the liver, kidney, and serum lipid enzymes were evaluated by enzymatic methods. Pathological changes in liver, kidney, and pancreas tissues were studied in the experimental groups.

The levels of blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine (Cr), urea, and phosphorus significantly increased in diabetic rats treated with leeches compared to the control group (P <0.05). In addition, liver tissue changes, such as hyperemia, degeneration, inflammatory cell infiltration, andfibrous tissue formation in the portal area, were observed in diabetic rats treated with leeches. Furthermore, renal tissue changes, including renal tubular degeneration and infiltration of inflammatory cells between renal tubules, were also observed in these rats.

Leech therapy is not beneficial for alloxan-induced diabetic rats and furthermaycause hepatotoxicity and acute renal failure.

Context: 

Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common problems of women affecting their living standards. Concerns about the side effects of chemical drugs and the tendency to use complementary medicine have led to the introduction of herbal medicines as an alternative option to improve this disorder.

This study was planned to systematically investigate the effects of herbal medicines on sexual function and sexual satisfaction of women of reproductive age.

Data Sources: 

All related articles published in English or Persian from 2000 to February 28, 2022, were reviewed. The international databases of Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, and the national SID database were searched. Then, the articles were reviewed by two independent researchers. The data were combined using meta-analysis and the random effect model.

The findings of 12 studies entered into the meta-analysis showed that in the group of herbal medicines, the total score of female sexual function significantly improved (0.95; %95 CI: 0.803 - 1.097) (P = 0.001). Also, the sexual satisfaction score was higher in the group of herbal medicines (0.84; %95 CI: 0.476 - 1.21), which was significant (P = 0.001).

Herbal medicines positively affect sexual function and sexual satisfaction of women of reproductive age and can be an effective and safe treatment for female sexual dysfunction (FSD). However, more studies with larger sample sizes on women of reproductive age are needed to achieve definitive conclusions.

Melasma is an acquired pigmentary disorder that typically affects sun - exposed areas of the skin. Due to the challenges of conventional medicines, many dermatologic patients skew toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Herbal medicine, as the most popular modality of CAM, is an invaluable approach to finding treatments for dermatologic diseases.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a multi - herbal syrup, which included lemon balm, damask rose, and fennel, in patients with melasma.

This study was designed as a randomized, triple - blind, placebo - controlled clinical trial. A total of 110 patients (55 in the intervention group and 55 in the placebo group) were enrolled in the study for a period of 12 weeks. The Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI), melanin, erythema, lightness, and pigmentation were used to assess the effectiveness of the syrup. The Melasma Quality of Life (MELASQOL) questionnaire was also completed by both groups.

The results of the comparison between the intervention and placebo groups indicated a significant difference observed in all parameters, including melanin (P = 0.017), lightness (P < 0.001), pigmentation (P < 0.001), MASI (P < 0.001), and MELASQOL (P = 0.019), except for erythema, which was marginally insignificant (P = 0.06). All parameter scores in the intervention group showed improvement (P < 0.05); however, in the placebo group, they remained insignificant or even worsened.

The results suggest that this traditional multiherbal syrup can be considered a safe and effective treatment for melasma.

Diabetes is one of the causes of mortality worldwide. Turmeric, ginger, and black pepper have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of Curcumex supplement (Turmeric herbal capsule (320 mg), ginger (150 mg), and black pepper (4 mg) on fasting blood glucose levels, HbA1c levels, insulin resistance, and serum lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients.

This study was a double-blind, randomized controlled trial conducted on 60 patients with type 2 diabetes who were randomly divided into the intervention (n = 30) and placebo (n = 30) groups. The intervention group received the Curcumex supplement capsule twice a day, every 12 hours for 90 days, and the placebo group received the same amount and duration of the starch capsule. At the beginning and end of the study, blood sugar indices, including fasting blood sugar levels, plasma insulin levels, HbA1C levels, HOMA-B, HOMA-IR, and lipid profile (high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol (Chol), triglyceride (TG), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)) were assessed.

The mean values of age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) were not significantly different between the two groups before the study. There was a statistically significant difference and decrease between mean scores of blood sugar indices, including serum levels of HbA1C (P = 0.003), plasma insulin (P = 0.015), HOMA-IR (P = 0.001), fasting blood glucose (P = 0.06), and BMI (P = 0.016) after the intervention. After the intervention, no significant changes were not observed in other variables, such as HDL, LDL, Chol, TG, and VLDL.

The consumption of curcumex supplement capsules in patients with type 2 diabetes reduces serum levels of HbA1C, plasma insulin, HOMA-IR, fasting blood glucose, and BMI.

Many recent studies have documented that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as a safe supplement raise seizure thresholds. However, the evidence of seed oil supplementsonseizure susceptibility remains controversial, andamongthem, Echium seed oil (EO) is a mixture of !-3 and !-6 PUFAs.

This study aimed to test the effects of the sub-chronic administration of EO on intravenous pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizure threshold, considering its antioxidant activity and biochemical parameters.

Fifty male mice were divided into five groups (10 in each), including control (no treatment), vehicle (sesame oil), and EO (1, 3, and 5 g/kg) groups. Vehicle and EO were administered p.o. once a day for four weeks. Then, the intravenous PTZ induced-seizure threshold was determined. Finally, the serum concentration of lipid, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was assessed.

Pretreatment withEOraised the seizure threshold dose-dependentlycomparedto the vehicle. Pretreatment withEOhadno adverse effect on the serum concentration of ALP, AST, ALT, creatinine, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), but at the dosages of 3 and 5 g/kg decreased the concentration of cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (P < 0.05), and triglyceride (TG) (P < 0.01). Also, 1 and 3 g/kg of EO improved the activity of SOD (P < 0.01).

Pretreatment with EO increases the seizure threshold without negative impacts on the liver and kidney biomarkers, correlated with its positive effects on antioxidant activity and serum lipid profiles.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of death among cardiovascular diseases. Reperfusion, the most harmful phase, is accompanied byinflammatory, oxidative, andapoptotic cascades in cardiomyocytes, impairing thehemodynamic and histologic status of the cardiac tissue. The Scrophularia genus is well known for the cardioprotective effects of its species, showing beneficial impacts on blood pressure and arrhythmias in previous studies.

Regarding the mechanisms involved in MI and the cardioprotective effects of the Scrophularia genus, in this study, we evaluated the cardioprotective effects of Scrophularia atropatana on MI.

Isoproterenol (ISO) injections (100 mg/kg, sc, 24-hour intervals) were used to induce MI in rats. In intervention groups, two hours after the first ISO injection, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg S. atropatana extract was administered by gavage (24-hour intervals) for three days. Cardiac hemodynamic parameters were measured by placing a catheter into the right carotid artery and the left ventricle. Total antioxidant status (TAS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactate levels, and histopathologic changes were evaluated.

Induction of MI was accompanied by declined median arterial pressure (MAP), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels. In contrast, the heart rate, left ventricle end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lactate levels were elevated in the MI group. Scrophularia atropatana treatment increased the MAP, LVSP, and TAS levels and significantly reduced the heart rate, LVEDP, MDA, and lactate levels. Also, S. atropatana treatment prevented histopathologic changes post-MI.

The improving effects of S. atropatana on MI injuries suggest its potential as a complementary cardioprotective medication.

Many patients, chiefly teenagers, seek effective treatment for acne vulgaris. Besides topical treatments, antibiotics, and anti-androgens, herbal treatments have been used against it.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of an herbal combination based on Prunus domestica L., Tamarindus indica L., Terminalia chebula L., Ziziphus jujube L., and Cassia fistula L. on acne vulgaris.

This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm parallel trial was conducted in patients with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. Patients were randomized, 55 in each group, to receive either herbal syrup or placebo (10 cc every 8 hours) for 12 weeks and were followed for 4 weeks. The severity of acne and participants’ psychological status was assessed by acne severity index (ASI) and Cardiff acne disability index (CADI), respectively.

No significant changes were observed up to the sixth week of treatment in both groups (P  0.05). From 6 weeks to 12 weeks, the outcomes indicated a significant reduction in the mean number of comedones (P < 0.030), papules (P < 0.045), pustules (P < 0.026), nodules (P < 0.044), and ASI (P < 0.001) in the herbal syrup group compared to the placebo group. Nevertheless, this did not continue after 4 weeks of follow-up (16th week).

The herbal syrup could be an alternative treatment in patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Indeed, more clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.

Self-medication is a significant public health problem that negatively affects human health. Many Moroccans have turned to this practice as a form of prevention or treatment for the newly emerged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide.

This study is the first research conducted in Morocco in the context of this pandemic, aiming to explore the prevalence, sources of information, causes, and risk factors of self-medication during the pandemic period.

A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted in the city of Meknes (North Central of Morocco) from March 2022 to June 2022 to investigate the level of self-medication practices before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey included 400 respondents from the general population (mean age = 34.97 ± 15.8 years). The self-medication rate was obtained as 291 (72.75%). There was a statistically significant decrease in the number of respondents practicing self-medication during COVID-19comparedto the pre-pandemic period. Most medications used for self-medication to prevent or treat COVID-19 were supplements such as vitamin C (81.10%) and zinc (74.91%), followed by acetaminophen (72.51%) and herbal products (69.41%). In the bivariate logistic regression model, age, gender, education level, self-reported health, sector of activity, and medical insurance were analyzed. Multivariate analyses showed that the youngest age group ( 30 years) (odds ratio (OR) = 1.59; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.96 - 2.78), university education (OR = 1.47; 95% CI: 0.87 - 2.99), and better self-reported health (OR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.43 - 3.71) were independently associated with self-medication.

Self-medication was a serious health concern in Morocco during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study will be of great interest to the authorities in order to develop new pandemic management strategies, particularly self-medication awareness programs.

Surgery is the main treatment for hydatid cyst disease, during which the spillage of live protoscoleces is a major cause of hydatidosis recurrence. Scolicidal agents are used to prevent this problem. However, they may have some unpleasant side effects.

This study assessed the scolicidal effects of Alhagi maurorum hydroalcoholic extract on developing secondary cysts in BALB/c mice infected with Echinococcus granulosus parasites.

BALB/c mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with viable protoscoleces. One month after the infection, the mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (7 per group). Group 1 (control group) was orally administered PBS daily. Group 2 was orally administered albendazole daily (150 mg/kg). Group 3 was orally administered Alhagi maurorum hydroalcoholic extract daily (500 mg/kg). Group 4 was orally administered Alhagi maurorum hydroalcoholic extract daily (250 mg/kg). After 6 weeks of treatment, the weight (g), size (mm), number, and fertility of hydatid cysts were measured after the euthanasia and necropsy of all mice.

The weight (g), size (mm), and the number of cysts was significantly lower in the groups receiving 500 mg/kg Alhagi maurorum hydroalcoholic extract, 250 mg/kg Alhagi maurorum hydroalcoholic extract, and 150 mg/kg albendazole than in the control group (P < 0.05). The fertility percentage of hydatid cysts did not show a significant difference between the four groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences in the parasitological parameters between the three groups: Alhagi maurorum hydroalcoholic extract 500 mg/kg, Alhagi maurorum hydroalcoholic extract 250 mg/kg, and albendazole 150 mg/kg (P > 0.05).

The findings demonstrated the effect of Alhagi maurorum hydroalcoholic extract against protoscoleces in BALB/c mice. However, cellular and molecular research should be carried out to gain a deeper understanding of the various effects of this extract on hydatid cysts.

 Global advancement toward aging highlights inappropriate polypharmacy in the elderly as an increasingly critical health issue. Addressing this challenge can reduce adverse drug reactions and physical and cognitive impairments and improve older adults’ quality of life.

 This study aimed to analyze the technical aspect of polypharmacy management in the elderly with comorbidities through the socio-technical model for change management to help develop future roadmaps of current affairs.

 The present qualitative study was performed by conducting 35 semi-structured interviews with key informants selected by maximum variation purposive sampling in 2022. The interviews continued until theoretical saturation. To extract all factors in all domains of the health complex system, the WHO Health System Six Building Blocks factors were investigated through Leavitt’s socio-technical model for change management. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis with MAXQDA10 software.

 The “Structure” and “Technology” dimensions of Leavitt’s model each consisted of two blocks of the WHO Framework. Regarding “Leadership & Governance” and “Financing” (structure), the following themes were identified: developing databases, optimizing homecare, and pharmaceutical cost management. In the blocks of “Medicine &Technology” and “information,” three other themes emerged: developing medicine formulations, innovative technologies, and technology-based self-care. The interviewees considered the “Structure” the most critical transitional factor in polypharmacy management.

 Stimulating, designing, and implementing strategies for polypharmacy change management requires identifying transitional factors by holistic approaches. Furthermore, shifting toward sustainable changes is possible based on well-developed infrastructures and adopting innovative, user-friendly technologies.

 Studies have reported certain side effects that occur with the use of conventional antidepressants limit their clinical use. Plant derivatives such as Rhus coriaria L extract can be used as alternatives for depression.

 This study was designed to investigate the antidepressant-like effects of R. coriaria in a mouse model and the role of the monoaminergic system in its mechanism of action.

 A total of 174 male NMRI mice were used. Thirty minutes after treating animals with common antidepressants and R. coriaria extract (25 - 200 mg/kg), the tail suspension test (TST) was performed. One hour after treating mice with serotonergic, adrenergic, and dopaminergic antagonists, 100 mg/kg of the extract was administered, and TST was performed after 30 minutes. Potential synergistic interactions between the extract and the sub-doses of fluoxetine (Flx) and imipramine (Imp) were also investigated. Injections were all administered intraperitoneally.

 Rhus coriaria extract (50 - 200 mg/kg) induced antidepressant-like effects (P < 0.001) without altering animal locomotion in the open field test (OFT; P > 0.05). The tail suspension test showed that the antidepressant-like activity of the extract was blocked by pretreating with the above-mentioned antagonists (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). The sub-dose of the extract also increased the efficiency of the sub-doses of common antidepressants (P < 0.001).

 The extract showed antidepressant-like activity via the monoaminergic system and increased the efficiency of common antidepressants. We suggest adding dried R. coriaria extract powder to the formulation of common antidepressant agents following thorough clinical studies on the substance.

Context: 

As a prevalent problem on the first days of childbirth, nipple fissures can cause pain and discomfort and lead to the early cessation of breastfeeding. Effectively treating this complication is therefore crucial. This systematic review investigated the effects of herbal medicines on the treatment of nipple fissures.

Data Sources: 

Keywords such as “treatment”, “nipple fissure”, “fissure”, “medicinal plants”, “sore nipple” and “herbal ingredients” were used individually and in combination to extract relevant articles published by March 2020 from English databases, i.e., Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. The Persian equivalents of these keywords were used for extracting articles from Google Scholar, SID and Magiran. The selected articles were qualitatively evaluated using the checklist issued by Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) in 2017.

Out of 132 articles retrieved, 10 eligible ones were included in this study. Investigating the full text of the articles found herbal medicines such as purslane, Aloe vera, olive oil, frankincense, Pistacia atlantica, curcumin and Ziziphus jujuba effective in treating nipple fissures.

Given the effects of herbal medicines on treating nipple fissures, it is recommended that comprehensive studies be conducted on different forms and doses of these compounds.