Algeria is characterized by a rich and diverse flora frequently used for therapeutic purposes. In this study, we conducted the first survey examining indigenous knowledge of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in the Guelma region of Algeria. A total of 500 in-person and focus group interviews were conducted with pharmacists, herbalists, practitioners, and healers. The objective was to determine the flora used by the population for treating metabolic disorders and closely associated inflammatory conditions. Fidelity Level (FL), Plant Part Value (PPV), Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), and Family Use Value (FUV) were determined. The results indicate that MAPs are widely used, particularly among individuals aged over 60 years (46.4%), with women using them more frequently than men (53.8% versus 46.2%). The PPV analysis highlighted that leaves are the most commonly used plant part (0.98), and the oral route is the primary method of administration (56%). Diabetes is the most prevalent metabolic disorder treated (15%), with decoction being the preferred preparation method (26%). A total of 109 medicinal plants from 48 botanical families were recorded. The Lamiaceae family was the most abundant (10 species). This study emphasizes the significance of preserving local knowledge, which is vital for discovering new drugs.

Morocco has been experiencing a widespread measles outbreak, and medicinal herbs may represent an  important therapeutic resource for manypopulations. This work aims to explore the ethnopharmacological uses of medicinal plants for measles treatment in Fez region in Morocco. Ethnobotanical data were collected through  structured questionnaire administratedvia direct interviews with herbalists. Ethnobotanical indices applied included the relative frequency of citation (RFC), use value (UV), and family use value (FUV). A total of 100 herbalists in the city of Fez agreed to participate (94 men and 6 women), aged between 20 and 80 years, with  educational levels predominantly at the of primary and secondary stages. The herbalists reported 39 plants, distributed across 36 genera and 22 families, as treatments for measles. The most represented family was Lamiaceae (7 species, 18%), while  Ranunculaceae recorded the highest FUV (0.12). The most cited species was Nigella sativa (RFC = UV = 0.12), followed by Zingiber officinale (RFC = UV = 0.11), and Salvia rosmarinus, Citrus limon, and Saussurea costus with RFC equal to 0.06. Seeds were the most used parts (39%), while powder (38%) and infusion (27%) were the dominant preparation modes. Additionally, herbalists recommended the use of other natural substances, including goat hair, beehive products, and sulfur. This study highlights the existence of indigenous ethnomedicinal knowledge of medicinal plants used to treat measles in the Fez region, andthe documented plants may serve as a foundation for future scientific research.

Labor pain is a complex and unique phenomenon resulting from one of the most important events in women's lives. Today, many women use non-pharmacological approaches to control labor pain. This study was conducted to compare the effect of aromatherapy with lavender and clove essential oils on pain intensity and anxiety in the first stage of labor. This randomized clinical trial was conducted from April 2023 to July 2024 on 159 pregnant women referred to the maternity ward in three parallel groups: lavender (53), clove (53), and control (53). Sampling was done by convenient and accessible method; and for allocating research units to study groups, block randomization method was used. Aromatherapy started from 4-5 cm dilation and continued until the end of the first stage of labor. In the lavender group, 0.2 mL of lavender essential oil, in the clove group, 0.2 mL of clove essential oil, and in the control group, 1 drop of distilled water was applied to gauze and attached to the collar of the samples' clothes, and the relevant essence was repeated every 15 minutes. Then, participants were asked to breathe normally through the nose for 15 minutes. Pain intensity and anxiety were measured before the intervention and during the intervention at 4-5 cm and 8-10 cm dilation using the Visual Analogue Scale for pain and the Spielberger Anxiety Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS-21 software. The significance level in all tests was considered less than 0.05. In this study, all three groups before the intervention were homogeneous in terms of personal and fertility characteristics. Before the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference between the three groups in terms of mean pain intensity (p=0.001); however, no statistically significant difference was observed in terms of mean anxiety intensity (p=0.09). After the intervention, the results of the post hoc test showed that the mean pain intensity in the lavender group was significantly lower than the clove and control groups (p<0.001). The mean pain intensity score in the clove group was also significantly lower than the control group (p<0.001). Also, the results of the post hoc test showed that the mean anxiety intensity score after the intervention in the lavender group was significantly lower than the clove and control groups (p<0.001). The mean anxiety intensity score in the clove group was also significantly lower than the control group (p<0.001). In this study, both lavender and clove aromas were effective on pain and anxiety in the first stage of labor. Therefore, since no adverse events were reported during the study period, these two essential oils can be suggested to low-risk pregnant women as one of the non-pharmacological methods of labor pain management.

The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred considerable interest in assessing the effectiveness of both traditional and complementary treatments for managing the disease. Traditional medicine incorporates various adjunctive therapies, such as hot water footbaths, to alleviate symptoms of illnesses, including COVID-19. However, there is no existing research examining the impact of this treatment on hospitalization duration and patient survival. This study aims to explore the effects of hot water footbaths on the length of hospitalization and survival time of COVID-19 patients. This clinical trial, conducted in May 2020, involved 68 patients hospitalized at Shahid Mofattah Hospital in Varamin City, Tehran Province. Patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group received hot water footbaths (immersion of feet in water at 42 °C, 10 cm above the ankles for 20 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of warmth) once daily for one week, in addition to standard treatment. The control group received only the conventional treatment. The primary outcomes assessed were the duration of hospitalization and patient survival time from the point of admission. To account for the competing risk of death and hospital discharge, the stratified Cox Lunn-McNeil alternative method was used for data analysis. Propensity score matching was applied to control for confounding variables. The intervention group showed a significantly lower risk of death (HR=24.3) compared to the control group (p value = 0.0005). No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of hospitalization duration. Additionally, no adverse effects related to the hot water footbath were reported. Hot water footbath may serve as a beneficial complementary treatment to extend the survival time of COVID-19 patients.

Taxane-based chemotherapy is commonly used in the treatment of various solid tumors. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) remains a common and debilitating side effect of taxanes, with limited effective treatments. Aromatherapy has been suggested as a non-pharmacological approach to relieve CIPN symptoms. This randomized controlled clinical trial investigated the effects of aromatherapy using lavender and peppermint essential oils (LPEO) on managing CIPN symptoms in women with breast cancer who received taxane-based chemotherapy. This parallel-group randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was prospectively registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20230407057835N1). Thirty-four participants with clinically confirmed CIPN were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which received topical LPEO, or to a control group that received a placebo. The oils were applied twice daily to the feet and hands for a period of four weeks. The modified Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-NTx) questionnaire evaluated symptom severity, including pain, numbness, and tingling, on a 10-point scale. SPSS 23 software was used for statistical analysis. The intervention group showed significant reductions in pain (from 3.52 ± 2.71 to 2.41 ± 1.73, p = 0.020), numbness (from 6.29 ± 2.17 to 4.41 ± 2.23, p = 0.0003), and tingling (from 5.70 ± 2.88 to 3.76 ± 2.46, p = 0.004) compared to the control group, which did not exhibit significant changes in these symptoms, except for a slight decrease in pain (1.66 ± 0.90 to 1.33 ± 0.84, p = 0.009). No adverse events related to the essential oils were reported. These findings suggest aromatherapy, with topical LPEO, is a safe and effective complementary approach for the alleviation of sensory symptoms of taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with breast cancer.

This study presents a secondary mechanistic analysis of archived plasma samples from a previously published randomized, double-blind controlled trial comparing Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees (AP) and Favipiravir (FV) in patients with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Plasma samples collected at baseline (Day 0) and post-treatment follow-up (Day 10) were analyzed for inflammatory cytokines using multiplex immunoassays and for metabolic alterations using untargeted liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF–MS). Exploratory associations between immunometabolic changes and Thai traditional medicine constitutional types—birth and present Dhatu Chao Ruean (bDCR and pDCR)—were also evaluated. Both treatment groups demonstrated reductions over time in several inflammatory cytokines. However, after false discovery rate (FDR) correction, no statistically significant between-group differences were observed. Untargeted metabolomic profiling suggested alterations in pathways related to alpha-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid metabolism in the AP group. Metabolite annotations were assigned at Metabolomics Standards Initiative (MSI) Level 2 and should therefore be interpreted as putative and hypothesis-generating. Associations between Dhatu classifications and biomarker changes were limited and exploratory, with no consistent correlation patterns identified. In conclusion, this secondary analysis provides exploratory insights into immunometabolic changes following AP and FV treatment in mild COVID-19. The findings suggest potential lipid-mediator pathway modulation but require confirmation through targeted metabolomic approaches and adequately powered studies.

Sumac is a well-known plant in traditional Persian medicine and has been described as having many healing properties. The outer layer of its fruit is commonly used as a spice and is also recommended, alone or with other substances, for certain health problems in traditional Persian medical texts. The purpose of this study was to review the written opinions of traditional Persian medicine scholars about sumac and compare these traditional uses with modern scientific research. To do this, a wide search was carried out in important Persian medicine books and modern scientific databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Magiran, and SID. Keywords such as “Sumac”, “Rhus coriaria L.”, “Persian medicine”, “phytochemicals”, and “chemical compounds” were used. Information about the plant’s characteristics, uses, and available experimental and clinical studies was collected. Then, the traditional knowledge was compared with recent scientific findings. According to traditional Persian medicine, the outer layer of sumac has a cold and dry temperament, and its main effects are astringent and tonic. Traditional books describe its uses for improving stomach and gum health, treating dysentery and infectious diseases, reducing heavy uterine bleeding, and helping with gout. Modern studies also support several of these uses, showing antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, and antigout effects, as well as protection against stomach ulcers. Early research further suggests that sumac may have anticancer and heart-protective properties and may help lower blood lipids and glucose. Phytochemical studies show that sumac contains anthocyanins, terpenes, phenolic acids, tannins, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. These compounds are linked to its biological activities. Overall, comparing traditional knowledge with modern science reveals many similarities. Combining scientific results with traditional medical understanding may support future research and the development of new medicinal products made from sumac.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of death from cancer worldwide. Herbal medicines have numerous benefits such as affordability, low side effects and low cytotoxicity. Bioinformatics tools or so called computer-aided drug design (CADD) have deciphered extraordinary capability in rapid and cost-effective exploration or prediction of potential alternatives such as HMs bioactive compounds. Bioactive compounds such as stigmasta-5,22-dien-3-one (targeting PIK3R1, SRC), lupeol, isomeldenin,  nimocinol, gedunin and nimbidinin (targeting Akt), luteolin (targeting EGFR) have inferred potential anti-HCC effects according to computational bioinformatics studies. Considering high anti-HCC potential of these bioactive compounds, their formulation or combinatory application is promising for efficient cancer therapy.

The default mode network (DMN) is a complex network of interconnected brain regions, including the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and angular gyrus, which exhibits heightened activity when the brain is at wakeful rest and is not engaged with the external world. While growing emerging evidence suggest that the different yogic practices influence neuroplasticity, brain function, mental health, etc., a rigorous scientific understanding, in terms of its various neurological effects, and underlying mechanisms remains limited. The search was made in PubMed and Google Scholar since the inception of the database till November 2024. Twenty-five articles were found relevant, out which 10 articles met the inclusion criteria for inclusion in the final review.  The findings from 10 studies highlight the influence of different yogic practices on DMN mainly in two different ways.  (1) a reduction in the activity of DMN and (2) enhanced functional connectivity between the areas associated with attention and cognitive control. Yogic practices, and different meditation techniques lead to decreased activity in the DMN regions like PCC, medial prefrontal cortex, and ACC, leading to reduce mind wandering and improved cognitive control. Additionally, mindfulness meditation, hatha yoga, pranayama strengthens connectivity within the regions of DMN and between the DMN, salience network, and dorsal attention network, promoting better attention, emotional regulation, and self-awareness.

Hypersexuality, characterized by excessive sexual desire and compulsive sexual behaviors, poses significant psychological and social challenges. Contemporary pharmacotherapy often yields suboptimal results and is associated with adverse effects. Persian Medicine (PM), an ancient holistic medical system, offers unique perspectives on the etiology and management of hypersexuality through temperament-based diagnosis and therapeutic strategies, including herbal medicine, dietary regulation, and manual interventions. This study aimed to explore the conceptualization, etiological framework, and treatment modalities of hypersexuality as documented in classical Persian Medicine, with an emphasis on ethnopharmacological agents and temperamental theory. A narrative review was conducted by analyzing classical PM texts, including The Canon of Medicine, Al-Hawi, Zakhireh Kharazmshahi, and Makhzan al-Adwiyah. Relevant terms such as “Shahwat,” “Kesrat-e Shahwat,” and “Efrat-e Jema” were used to extract primary data on definitions, etiologies, and therapeutic practices. Contemporary academic literature was also reviewed to provide a modern understanding of traditional concepts. Hypersexuality in PM is considered a pathological state, particularly prevalent in individuals with a hot-wet (Damavī) temperament. Etiological factors include humoral imbalance, dysfunction of major organs (such as the heart, brain, and liver), and the accumulation of waste materials. Treatment strategies are personalized and include cooling herbal agents (e.g., Camphora officinarum L., Myrtus communis L., Nymphaea spp.), dietary modifications, aromatherapy, topical applications, phlebotomy (Fasd), and other detoxifying procedures. Conversely, nutritive and warming agents are recommended during post-treatment convalescence. These traditional insights provide a valuable foundation for developing complementary interventions for compulsive sexual behaviors. Further empirical studies are warranted to assess their clinical efficacy and safety within contemporary psychosexual health frameworks.

The term ‘nutraceuticals’, derived from the combination of the words ‘nutrition’ and ‘pharmaceutical’, can be explained as a food or part of food that possesses some nutritional value along with medicinal properties. Nutraceuticals not only influence the body's inflammatory pathways but also help neutralize damaging free radicals, support metabolic regulation, and aid in cellular repair and protection. Herbal nutraceuticals provide a natural and sustainable approach to healthcare, aligning with the global shift toward functional foods and integrative medicine. In the Unani system of medicine, the role of diets and drinks for health issues has been given potential significance since the distant past. Unani scholars not only presented the concept of nutrition but also endorsed some special diets for specific diseases. The Unani classical texts provide a huge material on these diet dosage forms, for instance, Mā’ al-Sha‘īr  (Barley water), Mā’ al-Laḥm (Meat distillate), Mā’ al-‘Asal (Honey water), Mā’ al-Jubn (Whey), Mā’ al-Buqūl (Vegetable juice), Mā’ al-Fawākih (Fruit juice), Sikanjabīn (Oxymel), Murabbā (Fruit preserve), Gulqand (Flower conserve), etc., that are used as nutraceuticals for treating ailments. These diets play an instrumental role in maintaining health, improving quality of life, and acting against nutritional deficiencies and lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart disease. This review aims to provide detailed insights into selected special diets, highlighting their bioactive compounds and health benefits to support their potential in promoting health and preventing disease. Further, the concept of nutraceuticals is briefly described with both modern and Unani perspectives.

The brain uses the glymphatic system to clear harmful waste like amyloid-β, which is most active during sleep. Research shows that people with neurodegenerative diseases tend to sleep more in the supine position. The current study aimed to identify and synthesize evidence from traditional and modern medicine literature on the effect of supine sleep position on brain detoxification. This integrated review combines findings from two studies: a literature review on traditional Persian medicine from the 8^th to 19^th century and a rapid review of modern medical databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Google Scholar, without time limits, covering various methodologies and including human and lab research. Eight Persian medical texts, including Alvaḥ al-Sehheh, Al-Qānūn fi’l-ṭebb, Khafi Alaei, Memory in Medical Knowledge and Pharmacy, Al-Aghraz al Tibbia val Mabahess al–Alaiia, Tebb Ghiasi (Ghiasieh), Mofarrehu al-Ghulub, and Elm Al-Abdan, offer consistent recommendations against prolonged supine sleeping positions. Five sources directly highlight the impaired brain detoxification associated with the supine position. Additionally, in review of modern medical databases 37 articles were identified, of which five were selected for detailed analysis after three rounds of evaluation. The findings from these articles indicated that sleeping in a supine position diminishes the function of the glymphatic system; whereas the lateral sleeping position enhances its function. This review sought to provide insight into the role of the supine sleeping position on brain detoxification. Combining traditional and modern medical knowledge may optimize evidence-based neurological nursing practice.