The Ergh-al-Nassa pill (Hab) is a traditional combination suggested as one of the most effective preparations useful for treatment of sciatica. Although traditional preparations can be applied as new therapeutic drugs for investigations... more
The Ergh-al-Nassa pill (Hab) is a traditional combination suggested as one of the most effective preparations useful for treatment of sciatica. Although traditional preparations can be applied as new therapeutic drugs for investigations and clinical trials, they need to be reformulated to achieve pharmacopoeial standards for modern medicine. In this research, based on seven traditional Persian pharmacopeias for Ergh-al-NassaHab, nine different molded tablets were reformulated. Each formulation comprised the same amount of colchicum, ginger, aloe and yellow myrobalan fruit. Sweet almond oil had to be added in the maximum amount needed to be absorbed by the yellow myrobalan fruit according to its particle size (30-40 mesh sizes). The studies were performed in order to optimize the formulation process according to the role of three levels in particle size of the herbal ingredients (60-70, 80-100, 100-150 mesh sizes) and three levels of initial water for granulation. The molded tablets ...
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To evaluate the efficacy of topical chamomile oil in patients with mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Eighty six patients with electrodiagnostic criteria of mild and moderate CTS were enrolled in this randomized double-blind... more
To evaluate the efficacy of topical chamomile oil in patients with mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Eighty six patients with electrodiagnostic criteria of mild and moderate CTS were enrolled in this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial and received wrist splint plus topical chamomile oil or placebo for 4 weeks. They were evaluated at the baseline and end of the study regarding functional and symptomatic scores, dynamometry, and electrodiagnostic indexes. Dynamometry, functionality, and symptom severity scores of the patients were significantly improved in the chamomile oil group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.040, P = 0.0001, P = 0.017, respectively). Additionally, compound latency of the median nerve in the chamomile oil group significantly decreased (P = 0.035) compared to the placebo group. Other electerodiagnostic measurements did not change significantly. Complementary treatment with topical chamomile oil may have some benefits for patients with mild and moderate CTS, both subjectively and objectively.
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During the final hours of pregnancy, uterine contractions cause the foetus to move through the birth canal and leave the mother's body. Haly Abbas (died 982-994 CE), is believed to be the first writer to explain the role of these... more
During the final hours of pregnancy, uterine contractions cause the foetus to move through the birth canal and leave the mother's body. Haly Abbas (died 982-994 CE), is believed to be the first writer to explain the role of these contractions. However, this concept had in fact been described in the text titled Bab-e-Borzouyeh, written four centuries earlier by the physician Borzouyeh (Perzoes in Latin) as a prologue to his translation of the Indian collection of fables known as the Panchatantra. Because Haly Abbas probably had access to ancient Persian medical texts, the earliest report of uterine contractions may need to be re-attributed to this earlier author.
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Neuropathic pain is supposed to be a post-renaissance described medical entity. Although it is often believed that John Fothergill (1712-1780) provided the first description of this condition in 1773, a review of the medieval Persian... more
Neuropathic pain is supposed to be a post-renaissance described medical entity. Although it is often believed that John Fothergill (1712-1780) provided the first description of this condition in 1773, a review of the medieval Persian medical writings will show the fact that neuropathic pain was a medieval-originated concept. "Auojae Asab" [Nerve-originated Pain] was used as a medical term in medieval Persian medical literature for pain syndromes which etiologically originated from nerves. Physicians like Rhazes (d. 925 CE), Haly Abbas (d. 982 CE), Avicenna (d. 1037 CE), and Jorjani (d. 1137 CE) have discussed multiple aspects of nerve-originated pain including its classification, etiology, differentiating characteristics, different qualities, and pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments. Recognizing medieval scholars' views on nerve-originated pain can lighten old historical origins of this concept.
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Abubakr Rabi-ibn Ahmad Akhawayni Bukhari, also known as Al-Akhawayni, was a Persian physician who lived in the Near East during an age in which medical knowledge blossomed in the Islamic world. This era, the... more
Abubakr Rabi-ibn Ahmad Akhawayni Bukhari, also known as Al-Akhawayni, was a Persian physician who lived in the Near East during an age in which medical knowledge blossomed in the Islamic world. This era, the "Islamic Golden Age," extended from the tenth to the twelfth centuries AD. During his lifetime as a physician, Al-Akhawayni was famous for his expertise in medicine, including disorders that would be considered neurological today. In his extant book Hidayat al-Muta`allemin fi al-Tibb [A Scholar's Guide to Medicine], he provided an early description of what is probably meningitis. He illustrated the membranes surrounding the brain tissue in detail and described manifestations resulting from their inflammation.
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ABSTRACT The history of Persia (Iran) dates back 10,000 years. Iranian history prior to the introduction of Islam in 637 AD is classified as ancient Persia but unfortunately, very little written evidence remains from that period.... more
ABSTRACT The history of Persia (Iran) dates back 10,000 years. Iranian history prior to the introduction of Islam in 637 AD is classified as ancient Persia but unfortunately, very little written evidence remains from that period. Furthermore, there is little current investigative research on this period of Iranian history, so it remains largely unclear, particularly in the case of medical scientific thought. The last period of this era was the Sas-sanid dynasty (224-637 AD). Some of the manuscripts remained from this period are written in the Pahlavic language, illuminating this dark period in the history of medical science. One of these ancient Pahlavic manuscripts is entitled "Bun-Dahišn". It is analyzed in this paper to uncover ancient Persian wisdom on the female monthly menstrual cycle. The book is fundamentally about genesis and creation rather than medi-cine, but it holds valuable information about attitudes of the time to the female menstrual cycle. The manuscript describes the female menstrual cycle in terms of three phases. The first of which is the Pēš-ābest, phase of the female reproductive cycle; Ābast, refers to the second phase; and the third phase is termed Daštān and refers to the menstrual period itself. This is the principle concept conveyed in this manuscript, which can be related to current concepts of gynecology. However, in comparison with other ancient civilizations, it can be considered as a novel and advanced theory. Regarding this ancient text from a current perspective and in re-lation to modern knowledge in the field is an insightful way to track the progression of thought in gynecology. Research on History of Medicine/ 2013 Aug; 2(3): 79-86.
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Migraine is a common type of headache which has a deep history dating back thousands of years. Avicenna (980-1032), a Persian scholar, made a great contribution to neurology including headache and migraine. The aim of this study is to... more
Migraine is a common type of headache which has a deep history dating back thousands of years. Avicenna (980-1032), a Persian scholar, made a great contribution to neurology including headache and migraine. The aim of this study is to consider Avicenna's description about migraine (Shaghighe in Persian language) including definition, etiology and intervention. Also, his definition and treatment approaches were considered based on current concepts and findings. Although Avicenna believed in humoral theory and divided migraine into two categories, hot and cold, and suggested special treatments for them as well as general considerations, most of his definitions and explained pathologies are supported by current concepts of medicine. He believed that the migraine can result from bone of skull and also intra-parenchymal; or from skull underneath membrane (dura-mater); or reaching substances from the painful side or from outer vein and arteries (extra cranial); or from brain and menin...
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The feeling of abdominal fullness, bloating, and movement of gas in the abdomen is a very uncomfortable sensation termed flatulence. Since flatulence is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms that is bothersome to patients, it... more
The feeling of abdominal fullness, bloating, and movement of gas in the abdomen is a very uncomfortable sensation termed flatulence. Since flatulence is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms that is bothersome to patients, it is important to identify effective methods to resolve this issue. In modern medicine, management of flatulence is often not satisfactory. On the other hand, traditional systems of medicine can be considered good potential sources to find new approaches for preventing and treating flatulence. The aim of this study is to review flatulence treatments from a traditional Persian medicine (TPM) viewpoint. In this study, the reasons for flatulence and methods for its prevention and treatment are reviewed in traditional Persian medicine (TPM) texts and then related with evidence from modern medicine by searching in databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and IranMedex. From a traditional Persian scholar viewpoint, one of the most important causes of flatulence is an incorrect manner of eating; valuable advice to correct bad eating habits will be illustrated. In addition, traditional practitioners describe some herbs and vegetables as well as herbal compounds that are effective food additives to relieve flatulence. The anti-flatulent effect of most of these herbs has been experimentally verified using modern medicine. Attention to TPM can lead to the identification of new preventive and curative approaches to avoid and treat flatulence. In addition, Persian viewpoints from the medieval era regarding flatulence are historically important.
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ABSTRACT Background: Current development of surgery is due to medical practitioners and surgeons practices and experiments throughout the history. Albucasis, the Muslim Spanish physician in 10 century AD was one of the pioneers in surgery... more
ABSTRACT Background: Current development of surgery is due to medical practitioners and surgeons practices and experiments throughout the history. Albucasis, the Muslim Spanish physician in 10 century AD was one of the pioneers in surgery that had major influence by his innovations in surgical techniques, treatment approaches and invention of instruments. He introduced a type of surgical knife named Mokhdea in his treaties, Al Tasreef that had mobile lancet. Methods and Materials: In this paper, we represent this historical instrument according to Albucasis points of view. Also, this knife was reproduced and finally a modified version of it was suggested for current using according to ancient knowledge.Results: Albucasis presented a retractable surgical knife with figure in the 30th volume of his book, Al Tasreef. According to his description, this instrument was made including blade, clamp and handle. Also, a standardized new scale up surgical knife was suggested. This instrument includes a blade united with a lever that moves throughout a rail in the handle.Conclusion: The idea of making retractable surgical knife dates back to about 1000 years ago; presented by Muslim physician, Albucasis. Also, new presented surgical knife is better compared with current knives because of its comfortable using, safety and scale up.
ABSTRACT Hospitals have a long history throughout the history of medicine. First hospitals are originated from Persia in ancient times in the Sassanid Dy-nasty (2nd to 6th century AD). After the advent of Islam in Persia (Iran) in 637 AD,... more
ABSTRACT Hospitals have a long history throughout the history of medicine. First hospitals are originated from Persia in ancient times in the Sassanid Dy-nasty (2nd to 6th century AD). After the advent of Islam in Persia (Iran) in 637 AD, medical knowledge and also hospitals were ourished and advanced by Persian scholars. Shiraz Azodi hospital and University was one of the important hospitals in Persia. This hospital was built under the order of Azod od-Dowleh Panah (Fana) Khusraw in 971-973 AD in Shiraz. It had a great library, belonging to the university. A number of important physicians of the time Such as Haly Abbas were in practice at this hospital. The last report about this hospital dates back to 14th century. Azodi hospital and University were valuable scientic centers in Shiraz. The status of this medical center shows the close connection between medical education and therapy. Introduction Hospitals have a long history throughout the history of medicine. First hospitals are originated from Persia in ancient times in the Sassanid Dynasty (2nd to 6th century AD). 1 After the advent of Islam in Persia (Iran) in 637 AD, medical knowledge and also hospitals were ourished
... Master of Studies thesis. University of Oxford. 2002. Ferdowsi A. [Shahnameh]. Tehran:Elham. 2008. [in Persian] Ghazvini AL. [Lob-ol-tavarikh]. Tehran: Anjoman Asar va Mafakher Farhangi. 2007. [in Persian] Hajar R. Healing eye. Hearth... more
... Master of Studies thesis. University of Oxford. 2002. Ferdowsi A. [Shahnameh]. Tehran:Elham. 2008. [in Persian] Ghazvini AL. [Lob-ol-tavarikh]. Tehran: Anjoman Asar va Mafakher Farhangi. 2007. [in Persian] Hajar R. Healing eye. Hearth views. ...
Medical sciences including pharmacy flourished in Persia throughout medieval times. The oldest pharmacopeias which discussed pharmaceutical formulations were created by them, called Qarabadin. Among various dosage forms which were... more
Medical sciences including pharmacy flourished in Persia throughout medieval times. The oldest pharmacopeias which discussed pharmaceutical formulations were created by them, called Qarabadin. Among various dosage forms which were described, Jawarish was a gastrointestinal dosage form which was made from different ingredients for different purposes such as stomach tonic, digestive, carminative, laxative, astringent, visceral analgesic, antihaemorrhoid, antiemetic, emetic, antireflux and anticolic. This paper, introduces their preparation, general considerations and five common examples of Jawarish.
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To assess the effectiveness of standardized topical Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) oil in patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome, as a complementary treatment. A pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was... more
To assess the effectiveness of standardized topical Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) oil in patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome, as a complementary treatment. A pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Twenty six patients with documented severe carpal tunnel syndrome were treated in two parallel groups with a night splint plus topical chamomile oil or placebo. They were instructed to use their prescribed oil for 4 weeks, twice daily. Symptomatic and functional status of the patients and their electrodiagnostic parameters were evaluated when enrolled and after the trial period, as our outcome measures. A significant improvement of symptomatic and functional status of patients in the chamomile oil group was observed (p = 0.019 and 0.016, respectively) compared with those in the placebo group. However, electrodiagnostic parameters showed no significant changes between the two groups. Chamomile oil improved symptomatic and functional status of patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Effective tissue hemostasis in periapical surgical site is important in the procedures. Plants with large amount of tannins may act as a local hemostatic agent. We aimed to compare the hemostatic effect of the extract of Quercus persica... more
Effective tissue hemostasis in periapical surgical site is important in the procedures. Plants with large amount of tannins may act as a local hemostatic agent. We aimed to compare the hemostatic effect of the extract of Quercus persica with one of the common hemostatic material used in periapical surgery. Six standardized bone holes were prepared in the calvaria of 5 Burgundy rabbits. Two hemostatic medicaments were tested for their hemostatic effect and were compared with control defects: Group 1, cotton pellet soaked in 15.5% ferric sulfate solution; Group 2, cotton pellet soaked in pure ethanolic extract of Q. persica. Bleeding score between the groups was compared. The ferric sulfate group exhibited significantly less bleeding than the other 2 groups. Q. persica was found to cause more hemostasis than the control group at 4 and 5 minutes but there were no significant differences between normal saline and Q. persica extract in bleeding control.
Research Interests: Animals, Skull, Quercus, Plant extracts, Tannins, and 3 moreRabbits, Hemorrhage, and Ferric Compounds
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Migraine is a chronic recurring headache for which no complete treatment has been found yet. Therefore, finding new treatment approaches and medicines is important. In this review, we consider the probable mechanism of action of a... more
Migraine is a chronic recurring headache for which no complete treatment has been found yet. Therefore, finding new treatment approaches and medicines is important. In this review, we consider the probable mechanism of action of a traditional and ethnic formulary of chamomile extract in sesame oil as a new topical medication for migraine pain relief. Chamomile oil is prepared in Traditional Persian Medicine by boiling aqueous extract of chamomile in sesame oil. To optimize the procedure, we can use a Clevenger-type apparatus to extract the essential oil and add it to the end product. The preparation includes both essential oils (chamazulene and bisabolol oxide) and polyphenols (a flavonoid such as apigenin and its derivatives). It probably possesses pain relief effects for migraines because of the following properties: (1) chamazulene and apigenin, which inhibit iNOS expression in activated macrophages and can lead to the prohibition of NO release and synthesis; (2) chamomile flavonoids, which have a strong inhibitory effect on endogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in RAW 264.7 macrophages and can play the role of selective COX-2 inhibitor; (3) chamomile polyphenols, which possess anti-inflammatory effects due to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in THP1 macrophages and which can reduce inflammation in neurovascular units (NVU) at the site of migraine pain; (4) chamomile, which has neuroprotective effects because of reduced NO levels; (5) sesamine in sesame oil, which possesses an anti-inflammatory effect. These effects are supported by main pathophysiological theories of migraine such as neural and sensitization theories. Chamomile oil is a traditional formulation still used in Iran as an ethno-medicine. Because of the mentioned mechanisms of action, it can be hypothesized that chamomile oil is a novel medicine for the relief of migraine pain.
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Cataract is an important ophthalmologic disorder that can result in blindness. Its treatment is just by surgery. Cataracts have been identified and treated from ancient times. Persian and Islamic physicians recognized this disease and... more
Cataract is an important ophthalmologic disorder that can result in blindness. Its treatment is just by surgery. Cataracts have been identified and treated from ancient times. Persian and Islamic physicians recognized this disease and called it "nozul-al-mae" or "ab avardan e cheshm". Rabben Tabari, Rhazes and Avicenna are famous medical practitioners of the 9-11th century AD. They described cataracts in their manuscripts, including pathology, sign and symptoms and management strategies. Management and treatment strategies were divided into 3 main categories: nutrition and life style, medications and surgery. Ancients medications are not used currently and may be good candidates for further studies for application. It also can clarify a part of the history of ophthalmology in Iran and the world.
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Metabolic syndrome, also known as insulin resistance disorder, is the simultaneous manifestation of multiple metabolic disorders in an individual. The present-day complementary and alternative therapies suggest several medicinal herbs... more
Metabolic syndrome, also known as insulin resistance disorder, is the simultaneous manifestation of multiple metabolic disorders in an individual. The present-day complementary and alternative therapies suggest several medicinal herbs that may have the potential to improve one or multiple complications of metabolic syndrome. All of them have their own limitations in efficacy and unwanted effects. Therefore, we reviewed species of Satureja as widespread medicinal herbs and potentially good remedies for metabolic syndrome. We reviewed literature found in PubMed and the ISI Web of Knowledge with the key word Satureja in the title. The influence of any species of Satureja on any disease or syndrome, enzymatic, metabolic, or physiological pathways, in human, animals, or in vitro conditions related to any characteristics of metabolic syndrome were considered. The main outcomes of treatment with Satureja species were categorized, and the possible mechanisms of action are discussed in this ...
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Cardiovascular diseases are major health complications currently in various societies. Management of heart diseases as a prevention step or as treatment with low-cost procedures like lifestyle modifications including nutrition are... more
Cardiovascular diseases are major health complications currently in various societies. Management of heart diseases as a prevention step or as treatment with low-cost procedures like lifestyle modifications including nutrition are important current trends. Although the term nutrition dates back to 2 past centuries, Persian physicians contributed to this term at least from 1000 years ago. Rhazes (865-925 AD) was one of the pioneers in this field. He preferred using foods in treating illnesses. "Foods and drinks" were 1 subject from 6 principles (Setteh Zarorieh) that Persian physicians believed can affect human health. In this review, we described some medieval Persian views on the role of nutrition in heart diseases and compare their prescriptions with current findings. Interestingly, current investigations mostly support Persian medicine principles. Historically, this work shows that the concept of nutrition in heart diseases has had a successful background at least from ...
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Over one hundred different pharmaceutical dosage forms have been recorded in literatures of Traditional Persian Medicine among which nasal forms are considerable. This study designed to derive the most often applied nasal dosage forms... more
Over one hundred different pharmaceutical dosage forms have been recorded in literatures of Traditional Persian Medicine among which nasal forms are considerable. This study designed to derive the most often applied nasal dosage forms together with those brief clinical administrations. In the current study remaining pharmaceutical manuscripts of Persia during 9th to 18th century AD have been studied and different dosage forms related to nasal application of herbal medicines and their therapeutic effects were derived. By searching through pharmaceutical manuscripts of medieval Persia, different nasal dosage forms involving eleven types related to three main groups are found. These types could be derived from powder, solution or liquid and gaseous forms. Gaseous form were classified into fumigation (Bakhoor), vapor bath (Enkebab), inhalation (Lakhlakheh), aroma agents (Ghalieh) and olfaction or smell (Shomoom). Nasal solutions were as drops (Ghatoor), nasal snuffing drops (Saoot) and ...